NFL Fines 49ers Fullback Kyle Juszczyk for Touchdown Celebration

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has been fined $14,926 by the NFL for his touchdown celebration, which the league deemed an "offensive demonstration" and "in poor taste." Juszczyk, however, contends the celebration was a nod to his nickname, "Juice."

"Man, I feel like there's already been so much put out there," Juszczyk told reporters. "I don't know how else to say it. I wasn't drinking beer in my celebration. I think you guys all know my nickname is 'Juice.' I have juice [inscribed] on my pads, and the stadium yells, 'Juice' when I catch the ball."

The celebration in question involves Juszczyk raising his hand to his mouth as if drinking. The NFL interpreted this gesture as imitating drinking beer. Juszczyk stated that he does not even drink beer regularly and that his celebration has been about drinking juice for years.

"When I celebrate, I celebrate by drinking juice and it's been that way for years," Juszczyk explained.

Teammate George Kittle found the situation amusing and jokingly suggested Juszczyk's new nickname should be "Beer." Quarterback Brock Purdy also expressed confusion over the fine, noting that Juszczyk has performed the same celebration for years without issue.

"Yeah, I've seen Juice do his celebration for like five years," Purdy said. "So I'm a little confused about that punishment he's dealing with. Juice, that's his name, he drinks a juice box after scoring a touchdown. We're all confused and it [stinks] to be honest for him."

Juszczyk confirmed that he is appealing the fine, with the hearing scheduled for Tuesday via Zoom. He learned about the fine from head coach Kyle Shanahan before being notified by the league.

"When Kyle told me that during breakfast, I thought maybe he was just messing with me," Juszczyk said. "But it's real."