The Cincinnati Bengals are off to a red-hot 2-0 start, but the NFL has flagged one of the league's most entertaining celebrations. Star wide receiver Tee Higgins has been fined a total of $59,704 for a WWE-inspired first-down and touchdown celebration, while teammate Ja'Marr Chase was hit with two separate fines totaling $29,852. The combined $89,556 penalty has sparked frustration among the Bengals' superstar pass-catchers, who spoke out this week about the league's crackdown on their on-field creativity.
Higgins Defends 'People's Elbow' Celebration
Appearing on the Kay Adams Show, Higgins explained the origins of the celebration that captivated Bengals fans through the first two weeks of the 2026 season. "I'm a fan of WWE, the people's elbow, and we just threw in a first down celebration with it," Higgins said. "Unfortunately, we did get the letter. Everybody on the internet is making it seem like something that it isn't." According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Higgins received four separate fines of $14,926 each, while Chase was fined twice. The celebration, which mimicked the iconic wrestling move popularized by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, was a hit among fans but apparently crossed a line with NFL officials.
Chase Calls for NFLPA Action
Chase didn't hold back during his weekly press conference, calling on the NFL Players Association to take a stronger stance on player fines. "I think this is where the superstars have to get in with the NFLPA and fight for our money," Chase said. "I can't really do much about it. We could complain. I don't even think we can tweet about it because we get fined for tweeting about it. So, it's really like players have to keep their mouths shut and deal with it. But we've got to have a superstar in the NFLPA to do something about it. Help us along the way." His comments highlight a growing tension between the league's most marketable players and the disciplinary structure that governs on-field expression.
Bengals Offense Looks to Find Groove in Week 3
Despite the fines, the Bengals remain focused on the field, where they'll host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday with a chance to improve to 3-0. While the defense has been lights out, the offense has been slow to fully click—though Higgins and Chase have done their part. The duo will need to keep producing, even if they have to debut a new celebration. According to Higgins, they've already got something fresh planned. "We'll have a new one for Sunday," he said with a smile.
What This Means for Player Expression
The NFL has long fined players for celebrations deemed excessive or unsportsmanlike, but the size of these fines—nearly $90,000 combined—has raised eyebrows. As highlighted on Vulius, the league's strict rules on touchdown celebrations have been a point of contention for years, with players arguing that such moments are part of the game's entertainment value. For Higgins and Chase, the fines are a costly reminder that even harmless fun comes with a price tag in today's NFL.
Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The story has ignited social media, with fans and analysts debating whether the NFL overstepped. Kay Adams even joked on Twitter that the real culprit was Twitter itself. As the Bengals prepare for a crucial AFC North showdown, all eyes will be on Higgins and Chase—not just for their playmaking, but for whatever new celebration they unveil next.
"I'm a fan of WWE, the people's elbow, and we just threw in a first down celebration with it. Unfortunately, we did get the letter." — Tee Higgins
Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. For the latest NFL news, analysis, and official custom merchandise, visit Vulius.com.
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