# Why does the NFL discourage end zone celebrations? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [December 5, 2011, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102 "2011-12-05T05:00:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/21 "2011-12-06T01:28:15Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > I don’t understand this – what’s the big deal about goofing off after scoring a touch down? In the NHL, it’s practically encouraged after scoring a goal. (My personal favorite was the time that Tiger Williams rode around the ice on his stick) > > But in football, you can’t even make a fist pump without people criticizing you. What gives? because you ain’t supposed to expect people to kiss your ass just because you did your job. and the fact that it leaves an impression on younger players. makes me ill to see some 12-year-old jackass showboating because he did something of little significance. It’s teaching kids that the proper thing to do when you succeed is to rub other people’s noses in it. and it’s fucking disgusting. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/22 "2011-12-06T05:29:46Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > It should perhaps be noted that Orr didn’t score his goal and then celebrate with a leap - the ‘leap’ resulted from being tripped as he made the shot. But he definitely was celebrating while airborne. Oh, I know that, but he certainly took advantage of it! (I believe there’s a statue of him doing so in Boston) Nobody’s saying, you have to “rub it in!” But jumping up and down and cheering is somehow bad? You’re playing to WIN. That’s the purpose of the game. [Here’s](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYfcAM6uYss) another video. How on earth is that asking people to “kiss your ass”? Like **Chronos** said, if it gets too long, pull them off the field, obviously. I just don’t see why there’s a double standard. Almost every goal in the NHL is usually accompanied by a fist pump, pretty much. ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/23 "2011-12-06T05:52:32Z")
The worst part is when the rest of the team runs over to celebrate with them and the player just blows them off to do their own thing. Yeah those other 10 guys didn’t do anything. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/24 "2011-12-06T05:56:44Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Nobody’s saying, you have to “rub it in!” But jumping up and down and cheering is somehow bad? _Again_, NFL players are not penalized for “jumping up and down and cheering” or “fist pumps.” They get away with a lot more than that. They are penalized if they use props, if they choreograph something with multiple teammates, or fall down on the ground. When was the last time a hockey player brought some props onto the field so he could celebrate with them after he scored a goal? NHL celebrations are spontaneous and they’re usually the same- the players huddle up near the benches, they high-five and bump fists, and sometimes the guy who scored will do something like ride his stick. Are you not seeing the NFL celebrations that were described? Guys were getting together and planning stuff ahead of time so they could get on ESPN - hiding cell phones under the goal posts, making signs, choreographing dances, and crap like that. It had gotten ridiculous, and there’s still a lot of ridiculous stuff even now. > [@](#): > > You’re playing to WIN. That’s the purpose of the game. How does that excuse a bunch of showboating, cheerleader-y ridiculousness? Doing a dance doesn’t help you win. ---
**Author:** ![pricciar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@pricciar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pricciar)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/25 "2011-12-06T05:58:07Z")
Guinastasia, I think I am confused about what you are saying. I watched that video and half of the celebrations would be legal in the NFL. You are allowed to fist pump, you’re allowed to do a little dance. You just can’t do a rehearsed beforehand dance, nor can you get down and do pushups or anything like that. So, yeah, there are limits. But, fist pumps are ok. Little bits of dance are ok. Jumping up on the wall and slapping hands with fans is ok. I’ve never heard anyone criticize a QB for running out and hugging the WR who just scored a TD. So, I get your general question about excessive celebration it just seems from your wording that you think all celebration isn’t tolerated and that’s not quite right. ETA: Took too long to type. Marley said it more clearly than I did. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/26 "2011-12-06T07:03:58Z")
Because it seems like even being goofy is criticized. Look at some of the words here “poor sportmanship”, “disgusting”, "disgraceful, “rubbing their noses in it.” Yes, using props, or flipping people off or whatever is wrong. I’m not disagreeing with that. However, it seems some people don’t want ANYTHING other than spiking the ball, hugging your teammates, and then walking to the bench. Anything other than that is somehow being cocky. Which to me seems ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/27 "2011-12-06T09:48:52Z")
Linus: How did the other team feel? ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/28 "2011-12-06T13:05:49Z")
Can I come out in favor of props? As Chronos said, the reason the NFL exists is to provide entertainment. If people weren’t entertained, then no would care who won or lost. They wouldn’t bother to play. There is a reason why Ocho Cinco’s antics are played over and over again on Sportcenter, the news, and various other outlets. They are creative, interesting, and entertaining. The ones that are preplanned tend to be even more so. I’m sure Chad has brought his fair share of casual fans to the game. My wife hated football with a passion, but still is interested in what Chad is up to. If I’m in charge of the nfl I would embrace celebrations (celebration of the week award) rather then try to limit them. I like teams who’s players have fun, enjoy winning, and don’t take things too seriously. The NCAA tournament is one my favorite events, because no one tries to reign in the emotions of those victories. I follow sports as an outlet for my passion, and no desire for it to be distilled into people just doing a job. Of course your question was slightly different. I can come up with a few reasons why the NFL tries to limit celebrations: The NFL prefers a controlled environment, and celebrations can be unpredictable. Hardcore fans are more likely to frown upon excess celebration and they tend to be in charge. Fans want players to take the game and rivalries as seriously as they do. The bad influence on children thing, which I find absolutely ridiculous. God forbid children learn to enjoy themselves, be passionate, and not take opponents celebrations personally. Many people have issues with athletes making millions to play a game. I think perhaps that they feel better about it if the athletes don’t act like it is a game, but rather something of vital importance. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/29 "2011-12-06T13:16:40Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > Because if they didn’t draw a line, players would one up each other more and more until it got beyond ridiculous. It already was happening which precipitated the rule in the first place. Like that time the New England Patriots all performed the Shipoopi. What do you mean “That didn’t really happen”? Seriously, I find the whole thing ridiculous. Cheer, raise your arms, do a fistpump, be happy, fine. Then get back to the game. You get paid to play football, not to do AmDram in the endzone. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/30 "2011-12-06T13:35:20Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/31 "2011-12-06T15:28:15Z")
> [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > The NCAA tournament is one my favorite events, because no one tries to reign in the emotions of those victories. You’re going to compare basketball VICTORIES with football TOUCHDOWNS? Really? Nobody in this thread has suggested celebrating victories is bad. If a team wants to perform a ballet at mid-field after each win, let them go nuts. I doubt anybody (aside from the coaches) would care. What if a player did an elaborate 30 second dance every time he made a 3-pointer or went on a 10 point scoring spree? Would this be effective use of TV time or even the team’s time? You’ve got the wrong analogy here. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/32 "2011-12-06T15:33:03Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Because it seems like even being goofy is criticized. It isn’t. > [@](#): > > However, it seems some people don’t want ANYTHING other than spiking the ball, hugging your teammates, and then walking to the bench. Nobody’s proposing the NFL ban everything except that, but yes, they’re saying that’s what’s preferred. You’re not obliged to celebrate and it’s probably not your first touchdown, so a song and dance is not required. Part of the difference, I think, is that football players celebrate after almost every single freaking play. Any time someone gets a first down, breaks up a pass, sacks the QB, or does anything moderately competent, you’ll see them pose or strut and play to the crowd. So when you add even bigger celebrations for touchdowns, it can get really annoying. A week ago I was watching a game where the Giants were getting killed by the Saints. They scored a touchdown and the announcers actually took the time to praise the wide receiver for _not_ doing his usual dance after he scored because the team was still losing by 18 points. That’s how prevalent this stuff is in the NFL: it’s noteworthy when a guy _doesn’t_ do a dance after scoring a meaningless touchdown when his team is hopelessly behind. > [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > As Chronos said, the reason the NFL exists is to provide entertainment. …through the playing of football. Not through, say, dance contests or puppet shows or movies about vampires. Those are also entertaining, but I don’t want to see them in the middle of a football game. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/33 "2011-12-06T15:54:16Z")
[TD high step may cost running back national mark.](http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Statistically-speaking-TD-high-step-may-cost-RB?urn=highschool-wp9432) And it sets a shitty example of sportsmanship for youth players. The kid in the story is miles ahead of his high school opponents but he still feels the need to strut and “in your face” when he scores because he sees his so called role models do the same. ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/34 "2011-12-06T16:03:35Z")
> [@Laggard](#): > > Said it before but act like you’ve been there. > > Didn’t they really crack down on this when Ownes and Ochocinco started doing stupid crap like leaving cell-phones **and pens in the goal post padding**? > > Edited: Oops, someone beat me to it. > > As much as I love Aaron Rodgers I wish he’d quit with the belt celebration. > > The dumbest celebrations are when a team is down 40 points in the fourth quarter, a defensive player finally sacks the QB and then proceeds to celebrate like he won the game for the team. Owens had the pen **in his sock**. That’s the part that blew my mind … he put a Sharpie _in his sock_ while he was playing the game, for how long who knows, until he scored a touchdown and got the chance to pull it out and use it. Spontaneous celebrations of joy and excitement are great. That’s part of what makes sports so enjoyable … students rushing the court or the field, the exultation of the US hockey team in 1980, leaping up and down after hitting a big shot in the NCAA tournament. I love that stuff. What I don’t like is the showing off, the stuff that was obviously pre-planned (because I’m just so great that I \*knew \*I would do something worth celebrating for). Plus, that can lead to big showy celebrations of things like a run-of-the-mill tackle after a four-yard gain. That stuff is all about “look at me, I’m so great” instead of “I’m so excited, we’re going to win.” And I don’t like it, and I don’t like how it influences kids who are watching. Then they want to go out and flex their biceps in a PeeWee league game when their little legs carry them for six yards past eight kids who fell down; or make a big show of signaling a first down in the second quarter of a high school game. So, yeah, I’m okay with dropping the hammer on doofuses who like to 1) show off, rather than celebrate a team effort and 2) taunt the opposing team. That kind of thing is simply poor sportsmanship, and if it goes on in college/professional sports, kids will emulate it. That’s a bad thing, in my book. Edited to add: **runner pat** , you are spot on. And you said it in a lot less words than I did. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/35 "2011-12-06T16:12:12Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > Granted I’m biased, but I like the Lambeau Leap > > Brian I like the Lambeau Leap as well and I’m a Bears fan. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/36 "2011-12-06T18:54:56Z")
There used to be a thing called “class” that you were taught to display when you one upped an opponent, whether in sports, at work, or in the classroom. A student doesn’t shake his ass dancing when the term papers are handed back and he got an A, because: 1. You are taught to handle such things with dignity and humility 2. Others may have gotten a poor grade and you don’t want to rub their nose in it. Sports is a little different with the physical emotion already involved, but yeah, high five, fist bump, and then get the fuck off of the field. ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/37 "2011-12-06T23:40:16Z")
IMO football has become insufferable because of the behavior. When a hockey team scores a goal it is a team celebration. The player is congratulated and the team runs the bench gauntlet. I can tell you how many times I’ve seen a football player make a play, and run past/through players attempting to congratulate him so he could run to the cameras and show his arse. In other sports it’s clearly a team celebration. In football its a ME celebration. It’s not spontaneous. Too often it’s taunting, selfish and mean spirited. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2011, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/38 "2011-12-07T00:49:10Z")
Riding your stick around the ice wasn’t a team celebration, neither is pretending to machine gun your glove. It’s funny and it makes you laugh. Did you even watch the same video I did? Like I said, pulling out a sharpie and signing the ball, or making a phone call is crass. Cradling the ball like a baby, or doing a cartwheel I think is just being goofy. People take things far too seriously. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2011, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/39 "2011-12-07T22:05:41Z")
The NFL doesn’t discourage end zone celebrations; they discourage ridiculous end zone celebrations involving cell phones, markers, monkeys, strippers, nunchakus, and wheel chairs. See: Terrell Owens and Joe Horn ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2011, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102/40 "2011-12-07T22:17:47Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > I’m not talking about taunting, or hiding cellphones in balls. But what’s wrong with a stupid dance, or jumping up and down? (I like the guy who treated the ball like a baby – that was funny) > > I just don’t see why it’s taken so seriously. Hrm? I am not aware that the NFL discourages _these_ types of celebrations, and they certainly don’t prevent it. The people in this thread who are complaining about it are probably fans of the Cleveland Browns, who never see the end zone. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-nfl-discourage-end-zone-celebrations/605102.md?page=3)