During an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York over the weekend, Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowler, addressed the growing debate around NFL rules, particularly regarding taunting and excessive celebration. Jordan, a veteran player with the Saints, expressed his belief that the league should revisit its stance on these penalties, which he argued have become overly strict.
‘For the fans, I think it’s excessive celebration,’ Jordan stated, animatedly. ‘Boy, if you don’t let them celebrate. They scored a touchdown, they dragged three defenders on their back – Let them… I get a sack on a quarterback, give me five seconds. In fact, put the spotlight on me,’ he continued, highlighting his desire for greater player expression on the field.
The NFL rulebook currently lists taunting and excessive celebrations as unsportsmanlike conduct. This has led to significant penalties for players who exceed the league’s defined standards. In recent years, the league has seen a notable decrease in the number of taunting flags, which has prompted fans and players alike to question the strictness of the current policies.
According to reports from ESPN and NFLpenalties.com, there were over 61 taunting flags in the 2021 season, which was the highest in at least two decades. This prompted the league to implement stricter penalties in subsequent seasons. However, in 2022, only five of the 61 flags met the league’s standard, and the number dropped significantly to 21, 17, and then increased slightly to 20 in subsequent years. Despite this decline, Jordan argues that players should be allowed to engage in some form of celebration, as it enhances the excitement of the game.
As a result, Jordan called for a return to a more celebratory and expressive form of football, suggesting that the league should allow for more player expression and fan engagement. ‘Let us celebrate,’ he said, adding that it’s OK to taunt. ‘Bring back taunting. Let me talk my s—,’ he concluded, expressing his desire for a more vibrant and dynamic game.