Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have learned an important NFL lesson: scoring touchdowns can be expensive if you celebrate the wrong way.
The Cincinnati Bengals stars have been fined by the NFL over their new “People’s Elbow” celebration. Yes, a wrestling-inspired move has officially become a financial problem.
Apparently, catching footballs is not stressful enough.
Chase and Higgins used the celebration during Cincinnati’s games. The move was inspired by WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s famous People’s Elbow.
The NFL fined Ja’Marr for his celebration on Sunday
Chase claims he was just doing the “people’s elbow” pic.twitter.com/f0w0Wsp3qN
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 24, 2026
The players thought they were simply having fun, but the NFL had other ideas.
"Ya'll know that I know that ya'll know that I know."
Ja'Marr Chase says he was fined by the NFL for his "People's Elbow" celebration.
"Obviously THAT'S not what it is, but – It is what it is … It's literally like a wrestling move."
Ja'Marr says he plans to appeal the fine &… pic.twitter.com/HLwkadyeqv
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) September 24, 2026
According to reports, Higgins was fined four times for a total of $59,704. Chase was fined twice for $29,852. That brings the combined bill to a painful $89,556.
NFL fined Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for their new highly-discussed celebration. 😬💰🚫‼️
Here's Tee on what it was and what happened: pic.twitter.com/R3JvdegIAI
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) September 24, 2026
That is a lot of money for moving an elbow around.
While speaking to Chad Ochocino on Chasing No. 1 (19:15 mark), Chase revealed that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson inspired his new celebration.
“No, that’s not Spider-Man. It’s the People’s Elbow, bruh. The Rock from wrestling, he did it differently, though, we just added the [point],” Chase explained.
Fellow star wideout Tee Higgins also made it clear that the celebration was a tribute to the People’s Elbow.
The NFL believes the gesture could be interpreted as resembling something far more offensive.
And once the league sees something that way, apparently the fun is over.
The Bengals have had a lot to celebrate over their 2-0 start to the season, particularly thanks to their defensive improvements. Cincinnati leads the league with eight sacks and is tied for first with three turnovers.
The Bengals will look for their third straight win when they face the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) in Week 3 on Sunday.
A nearly $90,000 reminder that the NFL has a very specific definition of acceptable fun.
For now, the People’s Elbow appears to be retired. The elbow had a good run!
