The NFL has apparently decided that Jake Ferguson’s idea of a refreshing post-touchdown drink comes with a $13,611 price tag.
The Dallas Cowboys tight end was fined that amount after celebrating a touchdown against the Washington Commanders by mimicking the act of “shotgunning” a beverage. The league characterized the gesture as an imitation of shotgunning a beer, calling it an “offensive demonstration” that could reasonably be considered “in poor taste.”
There’s just one problem: Ferguson insists the imaginary drink wasn’t beer.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan on September 24, Ferguson addressed the punishment and made his position clear.
“I’m going to tell you right now, that was a Gatorade,” said Ferguson. “Shotgun to Gatorade. Right. I don’t know what other people thought it could have been because I may have got a letter in the mail. But it was Gatorade.”
The fine came after an impressive afternoon against Washington. Ferguson caught four passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns as Dallas produced a 37-20 victory on September 20.
Instead of the tight end’s red-zone production being the biggest talking point, however, his celebration became the subject of a league disciplinary decision.
Ferguson isn’t the only player caught in the crackdown
The NFL’s interpretation of simulated drinking has already affected several players during the same week.
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $14,926 for an imitation of chugging a beer, while Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves was also punished for a similar celebration.
That makes Ferguson’s case part of a broader enforcement trend rather than an isolated incident.
The league’s 2026 rulebook places unsportsmanlike conduct under Rule 12, Section 3, while postgame discipline can be imposed for qualifying conduct.
Ferguson is appealing the fine, giving him an opportunity to challenge the league’s interpretation of what he was miming. Juszczyk has also appealed his penalty and has pointed out that his longtime “Juice” celebration has traditionally been connected to his nickname rather than alcohol.
This isn’t Ferguson’s first encounter with the league’s disciplinary process. As a rookie in 2022, he was fined $4,895 after jumping into the Salvation Army kettle during Dallas’ Thanksgiving game. He was later fined $5,812 following a heated exchange with Seattle players in 2023.
The latest penalty is therefore another expensive addition to Ferguson’s NFL career. Yet the Cowboys tight end appears more amused than rattled by the controversy.
Whether the league sees Gatorade, beer or simply an elaborate touchdown celebration, Ferguson’s wallet has already felt the difference. Now, his appeal will determine whether that $13,611 punishment ultimately stands.
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