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Rico Dowdle Skips Pumps After Fine as Fundraiser Surges Past $44,000

Donations topped $44,000 after Keegan-Michael Key publicly backed him with a $15,000 pledge.

Overview

  • Dowdle was fined $14,491 for his two-pump touchdown celebration under the NFL’s 'obscene gestures' provision, following a 15-yard flag in Week 9.
  • His GoFundMe directs 100% of proceeds to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, with totals climbing into the tens of thousands by Sunday.
  • Keegan-Michael Key joined a Panthers team meeting by video and, with his wife, committed $15,000 to the fundraiser, turning the episode into a feel-good rally.
  • Coach Dave Canales addressed celebrations internally and Dowdle’s agent, David Canter, said they will appeal the fine.
  • In Week 10 against the Saints, Dowdle scored again and faked the setup without any pumps to avoid another penalty, drawing laughs and no flag.