Jameson Williams cost the Lions a crucial point on Sunday night after an ill-timed celebration against the Eagles.
Midway through the second quarter, with Detroit down by six, Jared Goff found Williams streaking through the defense. Williams hauled in the pass, sprinted to the end zone, and what should have been a straightforward game-tying score quickly turned complicated.
After crossing the goal line, Williams hopped onto the goalpost in celebration. Officials immediately flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct, tacking on a 15-yard penalty to the extra-point attempt.
That forced kicker Jake Bates—who had missed only one kick all season—to try a 47-yard PAT in swirling Philadelphia winds. His kick sailed wide right, leaving the game tied at 6 instead of giving Detroit the lead.
The NFL has long taken a strict stance on goalpost interactions: no dunking, no hanging, no affectionate embraces that look like they’re lifted from a romantic comedy airport reunion.
Somehow, jumping into the padding draws the same yardage penalty as far more dangerous infractions, but the league remains intent on eliminating anything it considers excessive or unsafe.
With any luck, Williams won’t repeat the mistake.
