17 NFL Stars Who’d Make Every Celebration a Penalty

There’s a fine line between celebrating and showboating in the NFL, and some players love to dance all over it. Whether it’s excessive, creative, or just plain chaotic, these guys didn’t care if a flag followed the fun—they were going to let the world know they scored.

From old-school antics to modern-day viral moments, these players had a flair for the dramatic every time they found the end zone. Coaches may have cringed, refs may have reached for the flag, but fans couldn’t look away.

17. Terrell Owens

Aug 8, 2012; Renton, WA, USA; NFL: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Terrell Owens (10) catches a pass during training camp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

T.O. was a celebration pioneer who treated every touchdown like a performance. From sharpie autographs to popcorn showers, his antics practically begged for a flag.

16. Rob Gronkowski

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Ford Field.
Tim Fuller / Imagn Images

Gronk’s spike could register on a seismograph, and that was just the beginning. If it involved dancing, spiking, or general chaos, Gronk was all in.

15. Chad Johnson

Dec 23, 2007; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson (85) runs in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium.The Bengals beat the Browns 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Frank Victores- Imagn Images
Frank Victores-Imagn Images

From proposing to cheerleaders to donning Hall of Fame jackets mid-game, Chad Johnson never ran out of ideas. The league had no choice but to keep the penalty flags ready.

14. Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the ball past New York Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers (37), Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford
Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

His backflips alone are enough to make a ref twitch. Add in peace signs mid-play, and it’s a miracle he finishes drives without a flag.

13. Antonio Brown

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) reacts in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan / Imagn Images

AB never celebrated subtly—he celebrated like he was headlining a halftime show. His end zone dances often turned into instant memes (and immediate penalties).

12. Cam Newton

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Few quarterbacks embraced the spotlight like Cam, dabbing and strutting with MVP swagger. If you didn’t like it, he’d just hit the pose harder.

11. Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images

The Griddy took over the NFL thanks to Jefferson, but the league isn’t always in the mood for a viral dance break. He walks the fine line between cool and costly.

10. Joe Horn

July 29, 2008; Flowerly Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver (87) Joe Horn stretches before practice begins during training camp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine Imagn Images
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Pulling a cell phone from the goalpost padding was as outrageous as it was iconic. That celebration might cost him more than a flag in today’s game.

9. Marshawn Lynch

Dec 29, 2019; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. San Francisco defeated Seattle 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Beast Mode didn’t need fancy moves—he just needed attitude. Whether it was grabbing his crotch or falling backward into the end zone, fines were incoming.

8. Stefon Diggs

Sep 13, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins kick returner Stefon Diggs (1) is pursued by West Virginia Mountaineers special teams player Dayron Wilson (25) at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Diggs celebrates like he’s directing a music video. He’s flashy, theatrical, and always a heartbeat away from drawing a flag.

7. JuJu Smith-Schuster

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

TikTok energy in cleats, JuJu never met a celebration he didn’t like. From dancing on logos to choreographed moves, he was a penalty magnet waiting to happen.

6. Randy Moss

Sep 17, 2006; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) warms up against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

That fake moon at Lambeau still lives rent-free in fans’ minds. It was hilarious to some, offensive to others, and definitely penalty-worthy.

5. Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce
Openverse

Kelce brings big-time energy to every celebration, sometimes looking like he’s at a frat party instead of a football field. It’s all fun until the yellow flags start flying.

4. Ezekiel Elliott

Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

From jumping into a Salvation Army kettle to feeding himself with a giant spoon motion, Zeke’s got a celebration flair that pushes the envelope. The refs haven’t always appreciated the creativity.

3. DeSean Jackson

Sep 20, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) warms up before action against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

DeSean celebrated like the touchdown was just part one of the real show. Unfortunately, that sometimes included dropping the ball before crossing the goal line.

Read More: Cowboys Fans Buzzing After Player’s NFL Record Pass

2. Odell Beckham Jr.

Nov 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) runs on the field before the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

OBJ brought a wide receiver’s flash with a dancer’s touch. His emotional, animated end zone moments were half highlight reel, half referee headache.

Read More: NFL Fans Are Hooked on Greenberg’s Replacement On ‘Get Up’

1. Deion Sanders

Sep 11, 1997; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO: Dallas Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders (21) celebrating as he scores a touchdown on an interception against the Chicago Bears at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-Imagn Images
James D. Smith-Imagn Images

At number one, we’re putting Deion Sanders, the original king of flashy struts and high-steps. His prime-time persona turned every pick-six into a dance party, and in today’s NFL, he’d have a flag tossed before he even hit the end zone.

Read More: 13 Forgotten NFL Greats Who Deserve to Be Celebrated

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