NFL Reverses Fine for Juszczyk's 'Juice' Celebration, Clarifies Beverage Rules

The NFL has rescinded the fine issued to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk for his touchdown celebration and has clarified its rules regarding players imitating drinking any beverage, including juice. The league and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) issued a joint statement to officially permit such celebrations.

This reversal follows an initial fine levied against Juszczyk for a celebration that had become a recurring gesture for him. The timing of the fine, coinciding with promotions from the league's beer sponsor, led to speculation among some players that it might have been a marketing stunt. The league's official beer sponsor, Bud Light, reportedly offered discounts to fans matching the total amount of fines issued that week for similar celebrations.

In contrast, 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is facing a fine for his postgame confrontation with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton. The incident occurred after the 49ers' 24-14 victory on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Fred Warner, a teammate of Greenlaw's, had to intervene to separate Greenlaw from Payton at midfield. Greenlaw admitted to telling Payton, "Get the f–k off the field," and confirmed he had been verbally confronting Payton throughout the emotionally charged game.

Greenlaw, who played against his former team, had 12 tackles in the game. His fine is reportedly around $12,000, a sum considered by the article's author to be a relatively small price to pay for airing grievances with a former employer, particularly given Greenlaw's $7.5 million salary this season. The author suggests that fines for such actions, especially when a player feels wronged or seeks comeuppance, are a reasonable cost.

The article contrasts the treatment of Juszczyk and Greenlaw, suggesting that Juszczyk's fine illuminated the NFL's perceived "No Fun League" reputation and inconsistencies in its enforcement of celebration policies. The reversal of Juszczyk's fine and the subsequent rule clarification are seen as a positive step towards a more player-friendly environment, allowing for more authentic expressions of excitement during games.