In recent years, the NFL has taken a stricter stance on player celebrations, particularly those directed toward opponents or gestures that could escalate tensions on the field. While most of the league’s focus has been on taunting, even routine celebrations can sometimes draw a flag.
During the Arizona Cardinals’ Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, tight end Trey McBride hauled in a massive catch, but the moment was cut short by a penalty for his post-play celebration. Now, the league has issued additional punishment for the Cardinals’ star.
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NFL Cracks Down on Trey McBride’s Celebration
Early in the second quarter, with 10:20 remaining, McBride caught a short pass from Jacoby Brissett and powered his way to a first down. After being shoved out of bounds, the Cardinals’ star tight end got up and celebrated with a “nose wipe” gesture. Officials immediately flagged the move for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Now, the league has taken further action, issuing McBride a $14,491 fine for the celebration.
Arizona fell into a 25-point hole by the end of the second quarter, and the game never really got close. The Cardinals’ offense started to find a groove once San Francisco’s defense eased up late, but there was still only one offensive player who really performed on Sunday.
That was McBride, who’s shown up in every game this season. The Cardinals’ tight end finished the day with ten catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.
McBride has been the focal point of Arizona’s offense all year and its most dynamic playmaker. Sunday marked his third game with at least nine receptions and his second 100-yard performance of the season.
“It’s no surprise. He’s, if not, the best tight end in the league, and it shows every week,” Brissett said. “The amount of respect that they gave him on the other side. They tried doubling him as well, and putting their corners on him, and their safeties – like giving him a whole bunch of different looks.”
McBride leads the NFL in receptions (71) among tight ends, receiving yards (718), and receiving touchdowns (7). He is currently ranked sixth in PFSN’s TE Impact metric, marking his third consecutive Top 10 season. Notably, each of these seasons ranks in the Top 50 TEi out of 370 qualified seasons since 2019.
Despite McBride’s dominance, the Cardinals sit at 3–7, last in the NFC West. They will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.