Dan Campbell Has One Rule For His Players Celebrating During Games
11/26/2024 01:55 PM
The Detroit Lions have created more opportunities than anyone to celebrate inside the end zone this season.
Following Sunday's 24-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Lions are 10-1 with an NFL-leading 32.7 points per game. They have also scored a league-best 4.1 touchdowns per contest, giving Dan Campbell's squad ample chances to orchestrate team celebrations.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Campbell said he doesn't mind any celebrations that don't draw a penalty.
"I tell our guys, 'Hey, as long as you don't cost us 15,'" Campbell said (h/t Pro Football Talk). "I'm good with whatever they do. So 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 said he often doesn't catch some of them unless his wife shows him after the game.
"I'm glad they have a good time with it," he added.
Not every celebration has met Campbell's criteria. On Sunday, the officials issued a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty when Jahmyrr Gibbs honored Allen Iverson by stepping over Amon-Ra St. Brown after pretending to cross over his teammate.
The NFL nevertheless promoted the moment on social media. Campbell appeared to criticize that contradiction.
"Well, depends on what that is," Campbell said. "Whether the league lets it happen, right? They'll use whatever they need to. The content."
Detroit also got flagged after a touchdown in Week 11. Jameson Williams grabbed his crotch mid-air a la Marshawn Lynch when leaping in the air to complete a 64-yard touchdown. The NFL fined him $19,697 for the obscene gesture.
However, most of Detroit's touchdown celebrations have avoided Campbell's ire. Earlier this month, St. Brown performed a headstand after scoring in a 24-14 win over the Green Bay Packers.
The star wide receiver said he created a group text to organize a team celebration for their Week 10 victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.
Fans will find out if the Lions have more touchdown celebrations in store for Thursday's Thanksgiving clash with the Chicago Bears.
Related: Lions Wide Receiver Jameson Williams Punished For 'Obscene Gesture'
