New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has received a hefty fine from the NFL owing to his touchdown celebration that paid homage to the famous pop star Michael Jackson. This event unfolded during the Saints’ second week game against the Dallas Cowboys, where Carr carried out a quarterback sneak that pushed his team’s score to 35-13.
After securing the touchdown, Carr performed a distinctive leg kick and emulated Jackson’s famed provocative hand motion before heading back to the bench. Although this act did not attract any immediate penalties during the match, the NFL later evaluated the celebration and decided it was excessively provocative, imposing a $14,000 fine on Carr.
Despite this setback, Carr, who is recognized for his typically unblemished reputation and substantial earnings in his football career—amounting to nearly $200 million—can easily manage the financial penalty. With the Saints off to an impressive start in the 2024-25 season, Carr’s future games might still include more instances of his celebratory expressions.
The team’s triumph over the Cowboys remains a standout victory, and supporters are keenly waiting for further displays of skill from Carr, although the NFL seems intent on scrutinizing acts that deviate from conservative, family-oriented celebrations.
The incident did stir a mix of laughter and disapproval, but there’s no denying that Carr’s celebration introduced a thrilling aspect to the match. As the Saints aim to maintain their winning streak, all eyes will be on whether Carr continues to challenge the limits of acceptable celebratory behavior in professional football.
The Saints’ perfect start through the first two games has indeed placed them as potential championship contenders. For the time being, the team’s priority seems to be adhering to the NFL’s celebration guidelines.
