New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan expressed his desire to bring more fun back into football, particularly by relaxing rules around celebrations. Speaking at Fanatics Fest in New York, the eight-time Pro Bowler was candid when asked about what he considers the “dumbest rule” in the NFL. Jordan pointed to the league’s restrictions on excessive celebrations, arguing that players should be allowed to enjoy their accomplishments and entertain fans in the process.
Jordan passionately defended the idea that players deserve a moment to celebrate big plays, like touchdowns or sacks. He humorously noted that if someone drags defenders to score or sacks a quarterback, they should be given time — even just five seconds — to bask in the moment. He believes celebrations add personality and excitement to the game, encouraging the league to metaphorically “put the spotlight” on players after significant plays.
Cameron Jordan Urges NFL to Loosen Celebration Rules and Embrace Player PersonalityJordan Criticizes NFL for Restricting Celebrations, Says Taunting Adds Fun and Personality
The NFL has long considered taunting and excessive celebration to be forms of unsportsmanlike conduct, as outlined in its rulebook. In 2021, there was a notable spike in taunting penalties, with 61 flags thrown — the most in over 20 years. However, a report from ESPN revealed that only a small fraction of those calls actually met the NFL’s stated standard, prompting scrutiny of the rule’s implementation. Since then, the number of penalties has significantly declined.
Despite the rule’s intended purpose of maintaining sportsmanship, Jordan feels the league is taking things too far. He argued that allowing harmless celebrations and a little trash talk wouldn’t damage the integrity of the game. Instead, he believes it would enhance fan engagement and allow players to show more of their personality. Jordan concluded with a bold call to action: “Let us celebrate… Bring back taunting. Let me talk my s—.”
