Overview
- Dowdle was flagged 15 yards and later fined $14,491 for what the NFL labeled an "obscene gesture" after a two-thrust touchdown celebration against the Packers.
- Agent David Canter said the fine will be appealed following the postgame league review.
- Dowdle launched a GoFundMe and pledged 100% of donations to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, with contributions surpassing $25,000 by Friday.
- Keegan-Michael Key, whose Key & Peele sketch inspired the celebration, said Dowdle was "robbed," adding to public support from teammates and fans.
- The episode has renewed scrutiny of inconsistent celebration enforcement, as Dowdle noted similar gestures have gone unpenalized, and it comes during his career-best season on a one-year, $2.7 million deal.