The NFL laid down the hammer on several players who committed violations in Week 2 of the 2026 season. Among those who have been given penalties is Detroit Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
During the Lions’ Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, St. Brown mimicked a smoking gesture as part of his celebration on the field after making four separate plays. The NFL ruled each incident an instance of unsportsmanlike conduct, with each infraction amounting to a $14,926 penalty for a total fine of $59,704.
The NFL described St. Brown’s gestures as “illegal celebrations and vulgar acts.”
For his part, the wide receiver has indicated his plan to appeal the fines.
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“It’s not good, man. 14 something times four, you do the math,” St. Brown said, per Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. “But I’m going to appeal it.”
In a more recent post, St. Brown also poked fun at the NFL’s punishment by sharing an edited video of his celebration, which shows an official helping him light up a cigarette.
Every Saturday, the league announces penalties for players who break the rules during games played the week before. According to the NFL’s rulebook, this schedule is used to set expectations for players on how to conduct themselves in a manner that respects the game, their fellow players and the fans. As such, prolonged or excessive celebrations with elements of taunting, insulting language and violent or sexual gestures are prohibited.
Along with St. Brown, the league also imposed fines on Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Penei Sewell after the three Lions players were caught performing illegal celebrations. Furthermore, Williams also received an additional penalty for taunting.
For now, St. Brown will have to limit his on-field celebrations while his appeals are being reviewed. It remains to be seen whether the hefty fine on him will deter any illegal celebration as the 2026 NFL season progresses.
