The Dallas Cowboys earned a wonderful win against the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving evening. And what was interesting for fans and followers was their way of celebrating the win. Orchestrated by quarterback Dak Prescott, this unique celebration involved stashing turkey legs in each of the four Salvation Army kettles located within AT&T Stadium.
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As the game reached its climax, with the Cowboys leading significantly, players including Prescott joyously feasted on these turkey legs, symbolizing both a victory and the spirit of Thanksgiving. This act of celebration, while anticipated to draw fines from the NFL, took an unexpected turn.
The NFL issued no fines for the #Cowboys’ Salvation Army kettle-hopping, turkey leg-eating celebrations in their Thanksgiving blowout of Washington, I’m told.
Happy holidays, everyone. pic.twitter.com/EP611Bjo1Q
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 2, 2023
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the league chose not to impose any fines on the Cowboys for their kettle-hopping antics. The NFL decision, while unusual for the league as they have fined the team multiple times for the same infraction in the past, seems extra unusual as the league seems to be on an extra fine spree this season.
Fans and teams have been disgruntled for the NFL’s crackdown on gestures made by players during games this season. This frustration was highlighted by a fan who thought it was a rare win for the league: “Rare W for the NFL.”
Rare W for NFL
— broady (@broadyboy101) December 3, 2023
Another read, “First Jimmy went into the Ring of Honor, and now there are no fines for kettle celebrations. This is our year.”
First Jimmy going in the Ring of Honor and now no fines for kettle celebrations. This is our year.
— Anthony (@JacksonCAnthony) December 3, 2023
Look at the nfl being self aware. Good for them
— Cowboys Due Diligence (@StevieJPTX) December 2, 2023
While Cowboys fan were happy with not getting fined, some pointed out the hypocrisy in the action as one fan wrote “The league loves the Cowboys. They fine basically every other team for stuff like this.” questioning the biasedness of the league towards the Cowboys.
the league loves the cowboys. they fine basically every other team for stuff like this
— ryan (@yoshismachbike) December 2, 2023
A comment read, “That’s crazy because Josh Allen was fined a down payment on a car for pointing at a dude.”
Thats crazy cause josh allen was fined a down payment on a car for pointing at a dude
— Tyler Olson (@tylerolson54) December 2, 2023
The Dallas Cowboys & Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Legacy
The Dallas Cowboys, a team synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football since 1966, have not only entertained millions with their on-field prowess but also used this platform to champion charitable causes. They are famous for their national fame, but they are also well known for their charities, especially during the holiday season.
Enter the Salvation Army, an organization deeply embedded in Thanksgiving traditions that serves thousands of meals to families in need. This synergy reached a new height when the Cowboys introduced the Salvation Army’s famous Red Kettle campaign into their celebrations.
.@EzekielElliott‘s laugh at the end
Watch the @dallascowboys RB mic’d up during his @SalvationArmyUS celebration TONIGHT at 9p ET/PT. pic.twitter.com/IsGKtn9D9B
— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) December 20, 2016
These giant red kettles, placed near AT&T Stadium’s end zones, have been a holiday fixture for almost a decade, inviting both onlookers and players to contribute to a noble cause. The kettle touchdown celebration, a symbol of this partnership, traces its roots back to 2016.
It wasn’t a Thanksgiving game but a late-season matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that sparked this unique tradition. Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott, then a rookie, etched his name into the annals of this custom by jumping into one of these giant kettles after scoring a touchdown.
