CeeDee Lamb may soon need to get creative with his touchdown celebrations as the NFL has introduced some significant changes in its rules for the 2025 season. In a recent rules report circulated to every team, a key update has come regarding what constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly focusing on celebrations that convey violent gestures.
The league has been steadily working to eliminate what it deems violent expressions during player celebrations, and this effort has reached new heights. Celebrations like the throat slash and other provocative actions have been officially banned, and now, the ‘nose wipe’ gesture has joined the list.
To break it down, let’s look at Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(d) of the NFL rules: “Any violent gesture, which shall include but not be limited to a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the ‘nose wipe’ gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive.” This clear definition underscores the league’s commitment to maintain a certain decorum on the field.
So what exactly is the ‘nose wipe’ celebration? For a vivid illustration, former Cowboys star Dez Bryant took to social media to share a GIF showcasing Lamb performing this gesture during a game, providing fans with a firsthand look at the move that’s now out of bounds.
Interestingly, the NFL’s classification of the ‘nose wipe’ as a violent gesture stems from its associations with gang culture. Urban Dictionary notes that the gesture can signify intent to intimidate or warn off adversaries, typically in contexts that carry a hint of aggression.
Lamb himself caught wind of the new rule change and expressed his displeasure through social media shortly after the news broke, hinting that he still has plenty of celebratory ideas up his sleeve despite the restrictions. His tweet read, “smh, i have plenty in mind😒,” capturing the spirit of a player eager to express himself after a big play.
It’s clear that as the league looks to refine its image and uphold its values, players like Lamb will need to adapt their celebrations while still finding ways to showcase their unique personalities. That balance of expression versus decorum will certainly be a point of interest as the season unfolds.
