San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $14,926 by the NFL following a touchdown celebration during a 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. The league penalized the veteran player for pretending to chug a beer in the end zone, a gesture he regularly performs to honor his nickname.
The Touchdown Celebration and the NFL’s Fine Letter
The incident occurred during the third quarter of Sunday’s game at Levi’s Stadium, when Kyle Juszczyk hauled in a 6-yard scoring pass from quarterback Brock Purdy at the 5:46 mark of the third quarter. After embracing teammates Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, the fullback brought his right hand to his mouth, tilted his head back, and mimed drinking a pretend liquid.
Five days later, the league issued a fine totaling $14,926, citing a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1. According to correspondence sent by the league, officials determined the action was an offensive demonstration.
“Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste,”
the NFL, via ESPN
The communication delivered to Juszczyk by the league additionally mentions that competitors are anticipated to behave in ways that uphold a positive image for the sport and align with the league’s criteria for good sportsmanship. Public announcements regarding league penalties generally occur on Saturdays, and league spokespersons were unavailable for inquiries on Thursday afternoon. A representative for the 49ers stated that fines are a league-player issue so the Niners have no involvement or awareness in that process.
Nickname Origins and Immediate Reactions
For Juszczyk, who is a Harvard graduate, a 10-time Pro Bowl fullback, and is in his 14th year of pro football and 10th with the Niners, the penalty came as a surprise. Known widely by his nickname “Juice”—which inspires stadium-wide chants of “Juice” from supporters every time the Harvard graduate carries or catches the ball—he has performed the same motion throughout his career without prior discipline. It marks the first time in his 14-year NFL career that he has been fined for the gesture. His wife, designer Kristin Juszczyk, has also gained fame in recent years through her rising profile and her line with the NFL.
When news of the penalty broke, Juszczyk quickly addressed the situation on social media and in text messages to reporters.
“Can’t make this stuff up…”
Kyle Juszczyk, via X
He also clarified the intent behind the gesture in a text message to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, stating plainly, And I don't even drink beer!
Juszczyk noted that he doesn’t even drink beer.
Appeals, Fines, and the Next Steps
This marks Juszczyk’s second fine of the NFL season. He previously received a $20,033 fine due to an unnecessary roughness play in the form of a helmet-related block during a Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Rather than accepting the touchdown celebration penalty, Juszczyk wasted no time appealing the nearly $15,000 fine. The matter will proceed to a hearing before a mutually selected appeals evaluator, who will examine the sequence and issue a conclusive, final ruling.