San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has been fined $14,926 by the National Football League for an on-field celebration mimicking a drink, an action the league labeled as an offensive demonstration of bad taste despite the player utilizing a variation of the routine for years.
The Fine and the League’s Stance
The penalty stems from a third-quarter reception during the 49ers’ victory over the Miami Dolphins. In a letter to the player obtained by The Associated Press, the league office detailed the reasoning behind the discipline. “Your imitation of drinking a beer of a shot constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as in poor taste,” the NFL wrote, adding that players are expected to uphold standards of sportsmanship that reflect positively on the game.
Juszczyk stated that he initially believed head coach Kyle Shanahan was joking when he informed him of the financial penalty. The veteran fullback has filed an appeal, with a decision expected next week. Prior to this ruling, Juszczyk’s only career fines had been for illegal use of the helmet and low blocks, including a $20,033 fine for illegal helmet contact in Week 1 which he is also appealing.
A Decade-Long Persona Meets New Enforcement
Playing his 14th NFL season and his 10th with San Francisco, Juszczyk is widely known by his nickname, “Juice,” which is printed on his protective gear and regularly chanted by fans at home and away stadiums following receptions. The celebration in question involves mimicking a sip from a container—a routine he says represents juice, not alcohol. “I don’t know how else to say it. I wasn’t drinking beer in my celebration,” Juszczyk told reporters. “I think you guys all know my nickname is Juice… When I celebrate, I celebrate by drinking juice, and it’s been like that for years.”
Teammates have leaned into the humor surrounding the sanction. Tight end George Kittle joked that Juszczyk’s nickname should change to “Beer,” while Juszczyk placed a container in his locker wrapped in white paper marked “NOT BEER” alongside an image of a juice box displaying his uniform number 44.
Broader Crackdown on Player Celebrations
The discipline is part of a broader league-wide point of emphasis aimed at tightening rules on player celebrations this season. Juszczyk noted that he was informed of approximately six other players receiving fines under the stricter guidelines. Among them are Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who were penalized for utilizing a new “People’s Elbow” celebration.
Chase defended the routine—which involves grabbing the right elbow with the left hand and thrusting the right arm forward—stating that it was designed simply as a novel way to signal a first down rather than anything vulgar.
Next Steps for the 49ers
Juszczyk awaits the outcome of his formal appeal scheduled for next week. The 49ers continue their season preparations under strict league observation regarding on-field conduct and celebrations.
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