The Carolina Panthers made a statement at Lambeau Field on Sunday, handing the Green Bay Packers their first home loss of the season in a nail-biting 16-13 victory.
But it wasn’t just the win that grabbed headlines—Panthers running back Rico Dowdle’s end zone celebration became the talk of the game.
Two Touchdowns, 130 Yards, and a Controversial Dance
Dowdle had an impressive day on the field, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.
His second touchdown, however, drew more attention than his stats.
After plunging into the end zone on a 1-yard run, Dowdle celebrated by placing his hands on the back of his helmet and giving two pelvis thrusts toward his teammates—a move inspired by a famous Key & Peele sketch.
The twist? The NFL penalized him for unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to the rulebook, the celebration was deemed “prolonged or excessive,” resulting in a 15-yard penalty that pushed back the Panthers’ extra point attempt.
A Missed Extra Point Almost Costs Carolina
The penalty proved almost disastrous. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald’s 48-yard attempt sailed wide, allowing the Packers to tie the game at 13 following a 1-yard touchdown by Josh Jacobs and a successful PAT later in the fourth quarter.
The Panthers’ lead had slipped away, and the tension was palpable.
Bryce Young Leads a Game-Winning Drive
Thankfully for Carolina, quarterback Bryce Young stepped up.
He led a precise nine-play, 40-yard drive that set up Fitzgerald for a 49-yard game-winning field goal as the clock expired.
The Panthers walked away with the victory, improving to 5-4 on the season, and Dowdle and head coach David Canales shared a celebratory embrace on the field.
Dowdle Responds With Humor
After the game, Dowdle addressed the penalty with good humor.
“From my understanding, everything I’ve learned, we go over stuff like this every week,” he told reporters.
“I definitely think you’re supposed to get two pumps. I hope I don’t get fined.”
Fans online were quick to weigh in as well, poking fun at the NFL’s strict celebration rules.
One social media user joked, “They penalized Dowdle for two thrusts!! Everyone knows the rule is 3!!!!!!! No Fun League!!!!!!”
Panthers Celebrate Despite the Drama.
While the controversy added a bit of drama, the Panthers’ win over the Packers was a testament to their resilience.
Dowdle’s standout performance on the field—and his memorable celebration—will be talked about long after the game, even if it left the NFL officials shaking their heads.