The NFL has withdrawn a $14,926 fine levied against San Francisco tight end Kyle Juszczyk for an “offensive demonstration” after his touchdown celebration in the 49ers’ Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The league initially concluded Juszczyk was imitating a beer-chug, but Juszczyk said the gesture was a nod to his nickname, “Juice.”
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had questioned the discipline after the game, noting he’d seen Juszczyk perform that celebration for about five years and was unsure why it resulted in a fine. The penalty followed a touchdown catch by Juszczyk that pushed San Francisco’s lead to 28-6 late in the third quarter.
This isn’t the first time the NFL has reversed a fine; in January 2025, the league rescinded a $25,000 fine against then-Texans running back Joe Mixon after determining his postgame comments did not merit punishment. Juszczyk, 35, is in his 14th season with the 49ers after being selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft — a 10-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who has helped San Francisco start the season 4-0.
Fan Take: This matters because inconsistent or quickly overturned fines undermine the league’s credibility on player conduct rules and leave fans wondering what’s actually against the rules. If the NFL doesn’t clarify celebration guidelines, similar disputes and retroactive reversals will likely keep happening, affecting players’ self-expression and how the game is policed.
Source: www.cbssports.com
