Full Breakdown
Ja’Marr Chase Fined for “People’s Elbow” Celebration After Texans TD
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 20, 2026, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught a contested 75-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. After the score, Chase performed a variation of the wrestling move known as the “People’s Elbow.” The NFL later notified Chase that the gesture violated its celebration policy and imposed a fine. Chase confirmed the penalty on September 24, 2026 and said he would “love to appeal.”
Background & Context
The league has tightened enforcement of its celebration rules this season, issuing fines for gestures it deems “obscene” or “offensive.” Earlier in the week, San Francisco 49 ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined for mimicking a beer-chug, and Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves received a fine for a “pop-the-top” gesture. These actions illustrate the NFL’s broader effort to curb post-play theatrics that could be interpreted as vulgar or unsportsmanlike.
Data & Statistics
- Game performance: Chase recorded seven catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
- Fine amounts reported:
- The Associated Press notes the league’s standard first-offense unsportsmanlike-conduct fine is $14,926 and the taunting fine is $11,941.
- Bleacher Report, citing The Athletic, states Chase was fined $29,852 (two $14,926 fines) and teammate Tee Higgins was fined $59,704 (four fines), for a combined total of $89,556.
- Career fines: Chase’s six career penalties total $613,162, including a 2022 obscene-gesture fine and a 2025 suspension-related fine of $507,156.
Official Statements & Responses
The NFL’s fine schedule classifies the “People’s Elbow” as an unsportsmanlike-conduct violation, triggering the $14,926 first-offense charge. Chase has publicly said the gesture is “just a wrestling move” and that the league’s interpretation differs from his intent. Chase also indicated that the fine limits players’ ability to comment on social media, noting, “I don’t even think we can tweet about it because we get fined for tweeting about it.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is where the superstars have to get in with NFLPA and fight for our money. I'm getting fined for an elbow ... It's a wrestling move,” — Marr Chase
- “We got fined for the people’s elbow stuff,” — Marr Chase
- “I would love to appeal it. It’s something we made up, and then everybody else saying what it is. Everybody gonna have their own opinion of what it looked like.” — Marr Chase
- “I think this is where the superstars have to get in with the NFLPA and fight for our money,” — Marr Chase
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact monetary penalty imposed on Chase. The AP provides the league’s standard fine schedule but does not disclose the specific amount levied on Chase, while Bleacher Report cites a total of $29,852 for two fines. No outlet reported the precise figure confirmed by the NFL, and Chase himself declined to reveal the amount. Additionally, while the NFL classified the celebration as unsportsmanlike, some observers on social media interpreted the gesture as a phallic reference, a characterization Chase disputes.
What’s Next
Chase has said he will appeal the fine and is calling on the NFLPA to seek clearer guidelines for post-play celebrations. The outcome of the appeal and any potential policy revisions remain pending.