Bengals touchdown celebrations could be in style again
By Tino Bovenzi
Rejoice Bengals faithful! The NFL has softened its policy on touchdown celebrations. However, Marvin Lewis is not a fan!
Finally, the No Fun League has changed its stance against touchdown celebrations.
The NFL announced today it will ease off its harsh policy against end zone celebrations. This is probably the best rules change in recent memory because, to be honest, the previous rule sucked.
The new rule will allow players to use the ball as a prop, go to the ground or hold group demonstrations. Basically, it’s on!
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the rules change in a letter, loosening his extra-tight belt for once.
"“Today, we are excited to tell you about another change that comes after conversations with more than 80 current and former players: we are relaxing our rules on celebrations to allow players more room to have fun after they make big plays, Goodell said. “We know that you love the spontaneous displays of emotion that come after a spectacular touchdown. And players have told us they want more freedom to be able to express themselves and celebrate their athletic achievements.”"
It’s about time Roger!
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However, Goodell does go on to state excessive, unsportsmanlike and game-delaying touchdown celebrations will still warrant a 15-yard penalty. But no doubt this rule change will kick a little more life back into football.
The Bengals are Celebration Kings
Bengals fans remember the glory years when Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson was the king of touchdown celebrations. So in memory of the greatest wide receiver in Bengals history, here are his best celebrations courtesy of NFL Films.
Ocho was truly the GOAT when it came to show-boating after big play. It’s about damn time we got back to what made the NFL great.
Oh, and you know I have to mention one of the best all-time celebrations: The Ickey Shuffle.
Having two top 10 guys on this list proves my point of why the Bengals are the kings of celebrating.
Hopefully, the new rule change means we’re going to see some Ochocinco-esque celebrations this year from the Men in Stripes. But then again, maybe not…
Marvin Lewis is Not a Fan!
We all know that Marvin Lewis wants what’s best for his team, and coaching through the Chad Johnson era means Lewis has seen it all. But, the Bengals leader is coming off strong immediately, opposing the rule change allowing more touchdown celebrations because he believes it to be in bad taste.
"“I’m not for that at all,” Lewis said. “We had a good standard and the whole standard has always been you want to teach people how to play the game the correct way and go about it the correct way, and that’s not a very good example for young people. The rules were changed for a reason and I thought we had a good outcome. Again, this is a team game, and … I don’t understand why we want to give in to individual celebrations.”"
Geez, Marvin, tell us how you really feel.
No matter what the Marvelous One thinks, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing some dope celebrations from this highly talented Bengals roster. Personally, seeing players get creative when they hit pay dirt is one of the best things about football. I’m so happy Goodell finally listened to the players about something.
The only question I have is who’s going to be the next Ochocinco in Cincinnati? I can’t wait until Week 1 to find out.
Let us know in the comments.