During a 2016 NFL game, Derek Carr, then the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, celebrated a touchdown by paying homage to his idol, Michael Jackson. Carr performed Jackson’s iconic moonwalk and toe stand in the end zone after scoring.
While fans loved the tribute, the NFL didn’t share the same enthusiasm. The league fined Carr for violating its celebration rules, which at the time were quite strict.
Why Was Derek Carr Fined?
The NFL has a long history of regulating player celebrations to maintain what it considers “professionalism” on the field. At the time, the league had strict rules against excessive celebrations, which included choreographed dances, using props, or anything deemed “excessive” or “prolonged.” Carr’s Michael Jackson dance fell under this category, leading to a fine.
Key Points:
- The NFL fined Carr $12,154 for the celebration.
- The league considered the dance a violation of its Rule 12, Section 3, which governs unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Carr’s celebration was seen as “excessive” because it was a choreographed routine.
Derek Carr’s Reaction to the Fine
Derek Carr took the fine in stride, showing his trademark humor and love for Michael Jackson. He even joked about the incident in interviews, saying he’d happily pay the fine again to honor his idol. Carr’s lighthearted response endeared him even more to fans, who appreciated his genuine admiration for Jackson.
Quotes from Derek Carr:
- “I’ll pay it every time. I don’t care. It was worth it.”
- “Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer of all time. If I can honor him, I’ll do it.”
The NFL’s Celebration Rules: Then and Now
At the time of Carr’s fine, the NFL’s celebration rules were notoriously strict. However, in 2017, the league relaxed these rules, allowing players more freedom to express themselves after touchdowns. This change was partly due to fan and player feedback, as many felt the old rules stifled individuality and fun.
Key Changes in 2017:
- Players were allowed to use the football as a prop (e.g., pretending to shoot a basketball).
- Group celebrations and choreographed dances were permitted.
- The NFL encouraged players to have fun while maintaining sportsmanship.
Fan and Media Reaction
Fans and media overwhelmingly supported Derek Carr’s celebration. Many saw the fine as unnecessary and felt the NFL was being overly strict. Social media lit up with posts defending Carr, with fans praising his creativity and love for Michael Jackson.
Key Reactions:
- Fans called the fine “ridiculous” and praised Carr for honoring Jackson.
- Media outlets highlighted the irony of the NFL penalizing a tribute to one of the most iconic entertainers in history.
- The incident sparked a broader conversation about the NFL’s celebration policies.
The Legacy of Carr’s Celebration
Derek Carr’s Michael Jackson dance remains one of the most memorable touchdown celebrations in recent NFL history. It not only showcased Carr’s personality but also highlighted the growing tension between player expression and league regulations. The incident also underscored Carr’s deep admiration for Jackson, which he has often spoken about.
Key Takeaways:
- Carr’s celebration was a heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson.
- The fine highlighted the NFL’s strict celebration rules at the time.
- The incident contributed to the league’s decision to relax its celebration policies in 2017.