Full Breakdown
LaFleur Bans Backflip Celebrations for Packers’ Lloyd and Watson
8/9/2026, 12:03:53 AM
Core Event
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur instructed running back MarShawn Lloyd and wide receiver Christian Watson to cease performing backflip celebrations after they executed the moves following touchdowns in training camp. LaFleur’s directive was communicated directly to each player and emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary injury risk.
Background & Context
Both players have endured significant injury setbacks. Lloyd, a 2024 third-round draft pick, has appeared in only one regular-season game and missed the entire 2025 season due to multiple hamstring strains, appendicitis, and ankle, calf and groin injuries. Watson missed the first seven games of the 2025 season after suffering a Grade 3 ACL tear in January 2025, though he played ten games later that year. Their recent health improvements prompted the backflips, but the coaching staff cited the players’ histories as the primary reason for the ban.
Data & Statistics
- MarShawn Lloyd: drafted 2024 (third round); 1 career game played; missed 2025 season entirely.
- Christian Watson: 10 games played in 2025 after returning from a Grade 3 ACL tear; missed first seven games of that season.
- Both players performed backflips during a training-camp touchdown celebration, a move LaFleur deemed “risky” given their prior injuries.
Official Statements & Responses
LaFleur told the two players that the backflips must stop, framing the decision as a health-first measure for the upcoming season. Lloyd acknowledged the coach’s request, noting that he understands the ban is intended to keep him on the field. Watson received the same instruction, though he has not publicly commented beyond confirming the directive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve always been able to do it,” — Given Lloyd — MarShawn Lloyd, Packers running back
- “The running backs weren’t doing any celebrations when we were scoring,” — Given Lloyd — MarShawn Lloyd, Packers running back
- “I’ve been doing them for a long time, but it’s fine,” — Given Lloyd — MarShawn Lloyd, Packers running back
- “He told him the same thing: Stop doing them,” — Given Lloyd — MarShawn Lloyd, Packers running back
- “Coach LaFleur doesn't want me to do it no more,” — Given Lloyd — MarShawn Lloyd, Packers running back (via *Lombardiave*)
- “I kind of like started turning my back and then I heard everybody going crazy and saw him doing the flip,” — Jordan Love — Jordan Love, Packers quarterback
What’s Next
The Packers open preseason play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM EDT at Acrisure Stadium. The game will be the first test of the roster after the backflip ban is enforced.
