NFL fines Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the ‘people’s elbow’ celebration

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja Marr Chase is in a dispute with the NFL over the interpretation of his touchdown celebration gestures. Chase was fined for the celebratory actions he displayed after two touchdown catches against the Houston Texans on September 24. During a news conference, Chase provided an explanation for the gestures, labeling them as "the people's elbow" and comparing it to a wrestling move popularized by former pro wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Tee Higgins, another Bengals wide receiver, also received contact from the NFL regarding a possible fine for his similar celebration. Chase expressed his desire to appeal the fine, stating that the gesture is a creation of the players and that deciding its meaning is a matter of personal interpretation. Chase acknowledged that various opinions existed regarding the gesture's appearance and meaning, but he remained uncertain if he would be able to continue using the celebration.

Chase suggested that NFL superstars should collaborate with the NFL Players Association to safeguard their right to celebrate in the manner they choose.