The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles squared off on November 16 for Sunday Night Football, delivering a matchup filled with tension and key momentum swings. The opening half moved at a slow pace, but Detroit finally broke through in the second quarter when Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams on a highlight-reel play.
Williams used his trademark speed to turn a routine catch into a 40-yard sprint to the end zone, capping a quick three-play, 74-yard drive. After scoring, he jumped onto the support stanchion near the stands in celebration.
As Football Forever put it, “Jameson Williams did the Antonio Brown touchdown celebration and got flagged for it.”
Although enthusiasm is encouraged, the NFL draws the line at excessive celebrations, and officials immediately hit Williams with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
That penalty proved costly. It pushed Detroit back for the extra-point attempt—already difficult due to the swirling winds at Lincoln Financial Field—leading to kicker Jake Bates missing the 48-yard try. The ball sailed wide right, leaving the score locked at 6–6. The Eagles later punched in a touchdown before halftime to take control.
But Williams’ troubles might not stop there.
More Discipline Could Come Saturday
Each Saturday of the season, the NFL announces fines and punishments stemming from incidents the week before. According to league policy, these measures are meant to reduce unnecessary risks, maintain fairness, and protect the integrity of the game. The NFL and NFLPA jointly approve the rulebook of violations that can lead to discipline.
Unsportsmanlike conduct—like Williams’ celebration—is one of the common triggers for league fines. The Lions have already been penalized 15 yards on the field, but that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of an additional monetary fine, which would be standard for this type of infraction.
These fines can be significant. Just last week, during the Lions–Commanders matchup, Washington defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was fined $28,555 for unsportsmanlike conduct and making contact with an official—one of the largest penalties issued that weekend.
Money collected from these fines goes to the Professional Athletes Foundation to assist retired players in need, and to the NFL Foundation, which supports player health, safety initiatives, youth football, and community programs.
Jameson Williams on Dan Campbell’s Play-Calling
Before the Lions’ matchup with Philadelphia, head coach Dan Campbell revealed that he would take over offensive play-calling duties for the rest of the season. He handled play-calling the previous week against Washington and intends to continue.
Williams reacted positively when asked about the shift.
“I think the game was just called a lot smoother,” he told The Insiders. “We spread it around well, everyone got opportunities, and we were able to create explosive plays when our number was called.”
