Carolina Panthers 27-year-old running back Rico Dowdle broke into a two pelvic thrust celebration after he scored a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the Week 9 16-13 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. He gathered several players around him, and they all joined in. Dowdle was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. By Wednesday, ESPN and NBA Sports reported the NFL likely fined him $14,491 for the celebration, referencing the Key & Peele comedy show where a fictional NFL player, McCringleberry, was penalized for a two-pump celebration. Dowdle shared on X that he was fined and teamed up with GoFundMe to donate the amount to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, Inc. In just a few hours, the fundraiser could reach $9,000. In another Week 9 game, New England Patriots players did a “one pump” celebration, but officials did not penalize or fine them. Mike Florio of NBC Sports reported, “It seems for the NFL, two pumps is one too many.”
Rico Dowdle starts GoFundMe as soon as he’s fined for two-pump celebration
On November 5, Rico Dowdle posted on X, “Starting a go fund me 🤣 they got me 🥹,” and added, “I have partnered with GoFundMe to put money for fines towards a greater cause!!… Click the link to learn more.” In the fundraiser description, Dowdle wrote, “After much thought, I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines. Key said I got three pumps but I get the NFL disagrees. Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Children’s Home Society promotes the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family. They specialize in education and prevention programs, family preservation, and adoption and foster care. Let’s raise some money.”
NFL Insider Ari Meirov also posted on X, “#Panthers RB Rico Dowdle got flagged for this TD celebration (even though it was only 2 pumps). It was a costly penalty. The XP attempt was pushed back and the Panthers missed, keeping it a 7-point game.” Fan reactions flooded in. A fan quickly commented, referencing “Key & Peele” comedy show: “McCringleberry only did 2 pumps and still got flagged.” Another questioned, “Only two pumps tho so what was the penalty?” A third fan commented, “Bullsh*t. Two pumps, everyone knows the rules.” A fourth fan wrote, “As a Packers fan…. it was only two pumps!” A fifth fan chimed in, “Friendly reminder that this celebration has happened in the NFL multiple times before and a flag wasnt thrown, including Aaron Rodgers himself as a Green Bay Packer. Kinda hard not to think the refs are trying to help Green Bay 🤷🏼♂️.” A user commented, “There are children watching, Rico!”
More coverage on such incidents:
NFL fined New York Jets DE Will McDonald $14K for pretending to throw a grenade after sacking Aaron Rodgers | NFL News - The Times of India
“Review JuJu for discipline too”: Lions DB Brian Branch will likely get fined or worse for slapping Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster | NFL News - The Times of India
“Who is your favorite Ref?” Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes questioned by an ex-Boston radio show host, Rich Shertenlieb | NFL News - The Times of India
Rico Dowdle starts GoFundMe as soon as he’s fined for two-pump celebration
On November 5, Rico Dowdle posted on X, “Starting a go fund me 🤣 they got me 🥹,” and added, “I have partnered with GoFundMe to put money for fines towards a greater cause!!… Click the link to learn more.” In the fundraiser description, Dowdle wrote, “After much thought, I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines. Key said I got three pumps but I get the NFL disagrees. Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Children’s Home Society promotes the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family. They specialize in education and prevention programs, family preservation, and adoption and foster care. Let’s raise some money.”
#Panthers RB Rico Dowdle got flagged for this TD celebration (even though it was only 2 pumps).
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 2, 2025
It was a costly penalty. The XP attempt was pushed back and the Panthers missed, keeping it a 7-point game. pic.twitter.com/01w4F6HmKI
NFL Insider Ari Meirov also posted on X, “#Panthers RB Rico Dowdle got flagged for this TD celebration (even though it was only 2 pumps). It was a costly penalty. The XP attempt was pushed back and the Panthers missed, keeping it a 7-point game.” Fan reactions flooded in. A fan quickly commented, referencing “Key & Peele” comedy show: “McCringleberry only did 2 pumps and still got flagged.” Another questioned, “Only two pumps tho so what was the penalty?” A third fan commented, “Bullsh*t. Two pumps, everyone knows the rules.” A fourth fan wrote, “As a Packers fan…. it was only two pumps!” A fifth fan chimed in, “Friendly reminder that this celebration has happened in the NFL multiple times before and a flag wasnt thrown, including Aaron Rodgers himself as a Green Bay Packer. Kinda hard not to think the refs are trying to help Green Bay 🤷🏼♂️.” A user commented, “There are children watching, Rico!”
More coverage on such incidents:
NFL fined New York Jets DE Will McDonald $14K for pretending to throw a grenade after sacking Aaron Rodgers | NFL News - The Times of India
“Review JuJu for discipline too”: Lions DB Brian Branch will likely get fined or worse for slapping Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster | NFL News - The Times of India
“Who is your favorite Ref?” Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes questioned by an ex-Boston radio show host, Rich Shertenlieb | NFL News - The Times of India
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