There is a reason people often jokingly refer to the NFL as the “No Fun League.” That’s largely because the league penalizes players for celebrating on the field, and those flags often come with fines.
However, all of these punishments seem rather hypocritical to Gerald McCoy.
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, McCoy recalled draft day preparation, in which the commissioner apparently told the incoming players to show emotion and excitement.
“Roger Goodell himself told my class when we were in his office to show emotion on draft day,” the now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle said. “To be able to express how you feel playing this game, to show the joy and excitement you get from having the opportunity to play in the NFL. When guys are doing that and getting flagged for it, it’s like, ‘What type of sense does that make?’ It’s not like anyone is flipping the bird to fans. Guys are just dancing, whatever it may be, just excitement from making a play. … It takes the fun out of the game. You don’t know what you can and can’t do anymore.”
The four-time Pro Bowl selection makes some good points. Most celebrations are harmless and light-hearted, and they certainly add some excitement and fun to the game. Nonetheless, Goodell still views these celebrations as “unprofessional.”
McCoy and the Bucs have a reason to be excited, though, as they’re only one game behind the Atlanta Falcons for first place in the NFC South.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
