Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs was penalized for an unusual touchdown celebration in Week 1, a decision that may have impacted the outcome of the team's 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Diggs, in his first season with the Commanders, scored a 10-yard touchdown that narrowed the Eagles' lead to 17-15 with 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Following the score, Diggs jumped on the goal post, a celebration deemed using the goal post as a prop and resulting in a 15-yard penalty. This penalty prevented the Commanders from attempting a two-point conversion that would have tied the game. Instead, the team kicked the extra point, making the score 17-16.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn stated after the game that the team had intended to go for two points following the touchdown. "Yeah, we were going to go for two," Quinn said. The subsequent failed two-point conversion attempt late in the game, which would have tied the score at 24, became critical due to the earlier penalty.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels expressed frustration with the situation, emphasizing the need for situational awareness. "You’ve just got to be smarter. We got to know situations and situational football," Daniels commented. "There is a time and place for everything and celebrations. I'm pretty sure at that point we could have gone for two."
Quinn acknowledged speaking with Diggs about the penalty after the play. "He knows better in that space and he knows that," Quinn said of Diggs. "So we did talk about that in that spot. I love his fight. I love what he stands for, but as the competitor, he knows better in that spot."
Using the goal post as a prop has been an illegal celebration in the NFL since 2006. Diggs, who has been in the league since 2015, stated he forgot about the rule change. The penalty marked a significant moment in a game where the Commanders ultimately fell short by two points.