The Detroit Lions’ Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles came with a layer of frustration that went beyond the scoreboard. The team’s only touchdown— a 40-yard catch-and-run by Jameson Williams—quickly became a major talking point after the wide receiver drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for jumping onto the goalpost during his celebration.
That penalty pushed back the extra-point attempt, and kicker Jake Bates missed the PAT, wiping away a critical point early in the game. Head coach Dan Campbell immediately warned Williams about repeating the mistake, hoping the situation would end there.
George Pickens Copies Williams’ Celebration on Monday Night Football
Just 24 hours later, the story resurfaced when Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens scored on a 37-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. Pickens repeated the same celebration—jumping onto the goalpost—and earned the same 15-yard penalty.
The copycat moment reopened the controversy for Lions fans, drawing attention right back to Williams’ costly mistake and reigniting debate about NFL celebration rules.
Why the NFL Bans Goalpost Celebrations
The league banned celebrations involving the goalpost back in 2015.
The rule was introduced after former New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham bent the uprights during a dunk celebration in 2013, causing a game delay. Even though players like Tony Gonzalez made the move iconic, the league ruled it unsafe and disruptive.
Despite the rule being nearly a decade old, both Williams and Pickens violated it on back-to-back nights.
Could the Penalty Have Impacted the Lions’ Chances?
Detroit didn’t lose solely because of Williams’ celebration, but the missed extra point loomed large. In a tighter game, that mistake could have dramatically changed the outcome—possibly forcing overtime or altering the Lions’ final drive strategy.
The Green Bay Packers’ Week 4 matchup provides a cautionary tale. A blocked PAT that was returned for two points later proved significant, as the Cowboys tied the game at the end of regulation instead of losing outright. That contest ended in a 40–40 overtime tie.
Lions Must Avoid Repeat Mistakes Down the Stretch
As the playoff race tightens, Detroit needs to ensure Jameson Williams fully understands the consequences of such penalties. His sideline reaction indicated he grasped the mistake, but Pickens’ Monday night encore may require another reminder.
