Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a big day against the Houston Texans on Sunday, hauling in 75 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches. The first touchdown is already being viewed as an early "Catch of the Year" candidate, with Chase adjusting to an underthrown deep pass from Joe Burrow, twisting his body while battling tight coverage, and dragging his toes just inside the front corner of the end zone. But the touchdown wasn't the only thing that caught people's attention, so was his celebration afterward, with Chase performing a modified version of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's signature WWE move, the "People's Elbow." Apparently, it was done well enough to catch the NFL's attention, too, as the league fined him for the celebration.
According to league insider Ari Meirov, Chase said he's been fined for the touchdown celebration from Sunday's game. "This is where the superstars have to get in with NFLPA and fight for our money. I'm getting fined for an elbow ...
It's a wrestling move," Chase said. More news: Ravens Facing Growing Concern Over Star WR Zay Flowers The touchdown celebration was unusual in that it was the first time fans had seen it, and nobody quite knew what it meant in the moment. Chase had to clarify exactly what it meant afterward on his podcast, "Chasing No. 1," specifically explaining how he was paying homage to the legendary WWE finishing move.
The NFL has been very strict when it comes to touchdown celebrations recently, but this feels like a new level. Nobody watching the game seemed to interpret Chase's actions as offensive, violent, or in "poor taste," the kinds of things the league typically points to when disciplining players for celebrations. More news: Sean McVay Reveals Troubling Update on Puka Nacua’s Injury More news: Ben Johnson Gives Ringing Endorsement of Bears’ Likely ‘MNF’ Starter No exact fine amount has been announced yet, but just hours earlier, the NFL hit 49ers star Kyle Juszczyk with a $14,926 fine for imitating chugging a beer after his own touchdown celebration.
There's a good chance Chase gets hit with a similar figure.
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