NFL Fines Cincinnati Bengals' Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins for 'People's Elbow' Celebration
Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been collectively fined $89,556 by the NFL for their 'People's Elbow' celebration. The league deemed the gesture offensive during their Week 2 victory over the Houston Texans on September 20, 2026.
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are facing substantial fines from the National Football League, totaling nearly $90,000, for their distinctive 'People's Elbow' celebration. The fines, confirmed on Thursday, September 24, 2026, stem from multiple instances of the gesture during the Bengals' Week 2 road victory against the Houston Texans. NFL Week 3: Get Full American Football League Schedule and Time Table Online With US and IST Timings.
Chase and Higgins, who performed the celebration after various plays, including touchdowns, maintain that the move is an homage to WWE legend Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's iconic wrestling maneuver. However, the NFL interpreted the gesture differently, reportedly viewing it as an 'offensive gesture' or resembling a 'phallus'.
The Fines Breakdown
The total combined fine for the two Bengals pass-catchers stands at $89,556. Each instance of the celebration incurred a fine of $14,926, categorized as unsportsmanlike conduct.
| Player | Number of Fines | Individual Fine Amount | Total Fine Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tee Higgins | 4 | $14,926 | $59,704 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 2 | $14,926 | $29,852 |
| Combined | 6 | $89,556 |
Game Day Details
The celebrations in question occurred during the Cincinnati Bengals' Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The Bengals emerged victorious with a final score of 20-6 over the Texans.
The game took place at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, with kickoff at 12:00 PM CT. Ja'Marr Chase was a key contributor in the win, catching two touchdown passes from quarterback Joe Burrow.
Player Reactions and Calls for NFLPA Action
Both Chase and Higgins have voiced their disagreement with the league's decision and their intention to appeal the fines. Chase specifically highlighted the need for the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to intervene and advocate for players in such situations.
"We got fined for the people's elbow stuff," Chase stated. "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." Where to Watch NFL 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast in India.
Chase further drew parallels to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who was also recently fined for a celebration interpreted by the league as inappropriate, despite Juszczyk's explanation that he was mimicking drinking his "juice." These incidents are fueling a broader conversation among players regarding the NFL's strict celebration policies and their impact on player expression.
The Bengals' focus now shifts to their Week 3 clash, as the players await the outcome of any potential appeals regarding these significant fines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 12:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).