NFL Rescinds Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jake Ferguson's Fine

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson had his $13,611 fine completely rescinded by the National Football League after successfully proving that his touchdown celebration involved Gatorade rather than beer. The penalty stemmed from a September 20, 2026, matchup during the team's Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders.

Following a touchdown in that game, Ferguson mimed puncturing a football like a can and chugging its contents. League officials initially categorized the gesture as an imitation of shotgunning a beer, labeling it an offensive demonstration and a violation of the code of conduct.

Ferguson publicly rejected the league's interpretation during a local radio appearance and through the NFL's standard appeal process. He explained to officials that the routine was actually meant to represent shotgunning a Gatorade, stating, "I'm going to tell you right now, that was a Gatorade. Shotgun to Gatorade. Right. I don't know what other people thought it could have been because I may have got a letter in the mail. But it was Gatorade."

To support his appeal, Ferguson provided concrete evidence showing that he had performed the exact same routine on multiple occasions during team practices. The Cowboys had previously documented those practice versions on social media, giving him clear proof to back up his claim. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on October 7, 2026, that the NFL officially withdrew the financial penalty following his explanation and documentation.

Ferguson was not the only professional football player penalized during Week 2 for a beverage-themed end-zone celebration. The league also issued a $14,926 fine to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk after he mimed a drinking motion following a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.

Juszczyk insisted he was simulating drinking from a juice box in honor of his longtime nickname, Juice. The NFL rescinded his fine on the same day as Ferguson's, accepting his explanation and acknowledging the context of his celebration. Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves also received an $8,847 fine for a similar gesture after a teammate's touchdown.

The NFL Players Association noted that neither players nor the union received prior notice that these types of celebrations would trigger fines, especially since several athletes had used similar gestures for years without issue. Furthermore, some players pointed out the irony of the penalties given the league's major sponsorships with beer brands.

With the lighthearted controversy behind him, Ferguson and the Dallas Cowboys turn their attention toward the field as they prepare for a Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the franchise has worked on financial flexibility, restructuring contracts for key players to open up salary cap space.