Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had another big game against the Miami Dolphins as his team moved to 3-0, but the reigning MVP could take a hit to his wallet for his actions in the win.
Allen took a late hit from Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks during a third-quarter drive, which gave the Bills a key first down in the red zone. But the Bills quarterback also celebrated using a gesture banned by the NFL, one that could lead to punishment next week.
Josh Allen’s Celebration May Have Crossed the Line
The Bills had moved the ball into the red zone on their first drive of the second half, but Allen was sacked on a first-down play. Brooks continued to drive Allen to the ground after the whistle had blown, leading to a penalty for unnecessary roughness.
As Brooks fell to the ground, Allen pointed in his direction and appeared to make a gun motion. The celebration did not attract a flag, but did catch the attention of some viewers and reporters.
Was this Josh Allen simulating the firing of a gun?” noted Dolphins reporter Joe Schad, who included a video of the celebration.
The Bills went on to score a touchdown on the drive, giving them a 21-14 lead. Allen finished the game going 22-of-28 passing for 213 yards with three touchdowns.
The NFL has told players it will crack down on these celebrations, saying specifically in August that gun celebrations will attract fines.
Unsportsmanlike gestures like simulating or either shooting a gun or brandishing a gun, or inappropriate gestures like a throat slash, or unfortunate sexual gestures, those were up 133% so that is a point of emphasis,” NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson told The Associated Pressin August. “The officials have made it a point of emphasis to the clubs. It’s just one of those areas that the league wants to work actively on. There are plenty of ways for players to be able to celebrate, and they come up with some very unique and often entertaining ways so we want them to focus on those and not the inappropriate areas.”
Josh Allen Not Alone in Facing Punishment
The league has already dropped several fines for gun celebrations this season, including Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The league announced on September 20 that both players were fined $14,491for their actions in a win over the New York Giants last week.
Allen has faced fines for his celebrations in the past. During a 2023 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he was both flagged and fined for taunting a defender as he ran in for a touchdown.
“The NFL fined #Bills QB Josh Allen $10,927 for unsportsmanlike conduct — pointing at a defender on his touchdown run last week against the #Bengals,” noted NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero in a post on X. “Allen was also flagged, and now gets a fine on top of it.”
Because Allen’s celebration took place on Thursday night, he will have to wait until next Saturday to find out if the league chooses to fine him for it.