The Detroit Lions are on a roll this season, creating more opportunities than any other team to celebrate in the end zone. After their recent 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Lions now boast an impressive 10-1 record and lead the league with an average of 32.7 points per game. They also score an NFL-best 4.1 touchdowns per game, giving head coach Dan Campbell’s squad plenty of chances to orchestrate elaborate team celebrations.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Campbell shared his stance on player celebrations, emphasizing that he doesn’t mind them—so long as they don’t result in a penalty.
“I tell our guys, ‘Hey, as long as you don’t cost us 15 [yards], I’m good with whatever they do,’” Campbell said, via Pro Football Talk. “They have fun with it. They are creative. They like to push the boundaries of whatever those are. I know our guys have fun with it, and I think that’s important. They enjoy it, so it’s all good.”
Campbell admitted that he doesn’t always catch all of the celebrations in real time. Often, it’s his wife who shows him the replays after the game. “I’m glad they have a good time with it,” he added. “It’s good to see them enjoy themselves.”
While most of the Lions’ celebrations have stayed within the rules, not all of them have met Campbell’s criteria. During Sunday’s game, officials issued a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when running back Jahmyrr Gibbs paid homage to basketball legend Allen Iverson.
Gibbs stepped over teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown after pretending to cross him over, mimicking Iverson’s famous move from the NBA playoffs. Despite the penalty, the NFL promoted the moment on social media, highlighting a contradiction that Campbell seemed to take issue with.
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“Well, it depends on what that is,” Campbell said when asked about the league’s response. “Whether the league lets it happen, right? They’ll use whatever they need to. The content.” His comment appeared to criticize how the NFL both penalizes and capitalizes on certain celebratory moments.
This wasn’t the first time Detroit faced scrutiny for their touchdown antics. In Week 11, wide receiver Jameson Williams drew a penalty and a fine after scoring a 64-yard touchdown.
Williams grabbed his crotch mid-air, a gesture reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch’s infamous celebrations. The NFL fined Williams $19,697 for what they deemed an obscene act, but the Lions still embraced their celebratory spirit.
Despite these incidents, most of the Lions’ touchdown celebrations have managed to stay within the rules and avoid Campbell’s ire.
Earlier this month, Amon-Ra St. Brown showcased his creativity by performing a headstand after scoring during a 24-14 win over the Green Bay Packers. The star receiver has also taken it upon himself to organize team-wide celebrations, even creating a group text to plan something special for their Week 10 victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.
The Lions’ penchant for celebrating has become part of their identity this season, a reflection of the camaraderie and enthusiasm Campbell has fostered among his players.
As the team prepares for their next game—a Thanksgiving showdown with the Chicago Bears—fans are eagerly waiting to see what kind of touchdown celebrations the Lions will come up with next. With the way they’ve been playing, it’s likely they’ll have plenty of opportunities to put their creativity on display.
For Campbell, it all comes down to enjoying the game while maintaining discipline.
As long as his players keep the celebrations penalty-free, he’s more than happy to let them express themselves. “It’s part of the fun,” Campbell said. “Football is hard enough as it is, so when you get those moments to celebrate, you’ve got to take them. Just don’t cost the team, and we’re all good.”
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