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2025NFL

Kyle Juszczyk Hit With First Career Fine Over “Offensive Celebration In Poor Taste” That He’s Actually Been Doing For Years – Fellow NFL Stars Sound Off

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Kyle Juszczyk during a game.
Kyle Juszczyk. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has performed the same celebration for years. The gesture pays tribute to his longtime nickname, “Juice,” and has never drawn league discipline until now. A recent fine letter changed that pattern.

The NFL issued a $14,926 penalty after the 49ers faced Miami. League officials labeled the motion an offensive demonstration that could be viewed as being in poor taste. Juszczyk has already filed an appeal.

League Letter Targets Longtime Signature Move

Kyle Juszczyk (Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

Adam Schefter first reported the details of the fine. The letter specifically cited an imitation of chugging a beer. Juszczyk has used the exact celebration after touchdowns and first downs throughout his career.

“Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste,” the NFL wrote in its fine letter.

In a follow-up, Schefter shared that this marks the first fine the fullback has received for the ritual. Juszczyk texted a simple response noting that he does not even drink beer.

The timing stands out because the NFL continues to fine 49ers players for various on-field actions. One recent example involved a tight end who received a penalty on the exact play that ended his season.

Players And Fans Push Back Against The Penalty

Aug 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Current and former stars quickly questioned the decision. Many pointed to the contradiction of beer advertising during broadcasts and the player’s well-known nickname.

“Juszczyk should threaten to counter sue for defamation. How dare the NFL allege false accusations. No way they can prove he was chugging alcohol. He was chugging that ‘juice,’” Jason Kelce wrote.

“He did that celebration and then the NFL immediately cut to a commercial for beer,” another account observed.

“I’m just going to go out on a limb here… For a guy whose nickname is Juice, could it not be ‘reasonably construed’ that he is drinking… stay with me here… Juice?” JJ Watt champion asked.

“Can confirm he doesn’t really drink beer but is a good guy,” George Kittle added.

The appeal process will determine whether the fine stands. Juszczyk’s consistent use of the gesture over more than a decade makes the sudden penalty notable. Fans and players continue to debate whether the league applied its own standards evenly.

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