The Buffalo Bills’ offense came alive in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, putting up 21 points in a shootout in the making. Unfortunately, perhaps the biggest play of the half could very well result in Bills running back Ty Johnson being hit with a fine from the NFL for his choice of celebration on a long touchdown reception.
Given how great starting running back James Cook has been this year, Ty Johnson’s opportunities have been few and far between as a rotational back.
When called upon to make an impact at the end of the second quarter, Johnson did just that, taking a screen pass to the house on a 52-yard touchdown catch to give Buffalo a 21-17 lead.
After hauling in the touchdown catch, Johnson opted to celebrate in a bit of a controversial way. In particular, Johnson offered a variation on the “two-pump” celebration used by Panthers running back Rico Dowdle that resulted in a fine from the NFL.
More news: Packers’ Josh Jacobs Leaves Game with Apparent Knee Injury
Johnson’s celebration certainly got the attention of fans and media members alike. Given how much the NFL has decided to crack down on controversial celebrations as of late, most expect that Johnson will be hearing from the league and likely be dealt a fine at the very least.
“Ty Johnson with a 52-yard TD catch off a quick pass from Josh Allen and an almost certain fine coming on the celebration,” wrote ESPN Bills reporter Alaina Getzenberg in a post on X.
“That celebration from Ty Johnson is gonna lead to a gigantic fine,” wrote USA Today’s Mike Freeman.
More news: NFL Makes Surprise Ruling on Raiders Player Who Injured Broncos’ JK Dobbins
Given how big a play the scoring effort from Johnson was, the Bills’ coaching staff likely won’t be too upset with their running back for his celebration.
Still, it sure seems like a pretty clear-cut example of a celebration that the NFL has continually fined in the past. So, unless the league has a clear lapse in judgment, Johnson will likely be punished for his actions come next Saturday when fines are issued weekly around the NFL.
For more on the Buffalo Bills and all things around the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
