San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was fined $14,926 by the NFL for a touchdown celebration that the league interpreted as him pretending to chug a beer.
There is one problem with that interpretation: Juszczyk says he was pretending to drink juice.
The longtime 49ers fullback is nicknamed “Juice,” and he says he has used the drinking gesture for years as a reference to that nickname. He also says he rarely drinks alcohol and does not consider the celebration a beer reference.
Juszczyk has appealed the fine. [AP]
Why Did The NFL Fine Kyle Juszczyk?
The NFL fined Juszczyk for what it classified as an offensive demonstration during the 49ers’ Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The league told Juszczyk:
“Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration.”
The NFL added that the gesture could reasonably be interpreted as being in poor taste. [ESPN]
The league assessed a $14,926 fine, the scheduled amount for a first unsportsmanlike-conduct offense in the NFL’s 2026 fine schedule. [NFL Football Operations]
What Did Kyle Juszczyk Do?
Juszczyk scored on a six-yard touchdown reception from Brock Purdy during the third quarter of San Francisco’s September 20 game against Miami.
After celebrating with teammates, Juszczyk turned toward the crowd and raised his hand toward his mouth as though he were drinking something.
The NFL interpreted the gesture as pretending to chug a beer. [Yahoo Sports]
The touchdown helped the 49ers build a 28-6 third-quarter lead on their way to a 35-13 victory. [Dolphins]
Why Does Kyle Juszczyk Say He Wasn’t Pretending To Drink Beer?
Because his nickname is “Juice.”
Juszczyk explained that the drinking celebration is supposed to represent him drinking juice, not alcohol.
He said:
“I wasn’t drinking beer in my celebration.”
He pointed out that “Juice” is written on his pads and that 49ers fans yell “Juuuuice” when he makes a play.
Juszczyk said:
“When I celebrate, I celebrate by drinking juice.”
He said he has been using the celebration for years. [OutKick]
Does Kyle Juszczyk Drink Beer?
Juszczyk says he barely drinks at all.
After learning about the fine, he told ESPN:
“And I don’t even drink beer!”
Juszczyk later told reporters that he may drink approximately five times a year, usually during the offseason. [AP]
Has Kyle Juszczyk Done The Celebration Before?
Yes.
This is one of the biggest reasons Juszczyk and his teammates were surprised by the punishment.
He has performed versions of the “Juice” drinking celebration after touchdowns and other big plays for several years without previously being fined for it.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy said he had watched Juszczyk use the celebration for roughly five years and was confused about why it suddenly resulted in discipline. [OutKick]
The Associated Press reported that this was the first time in Juszczyk’s 14-year NFL career that he had been fined for this particular gesture. [AP]
What NFL Rule Did Kyle Juszczyk Violate?
The NFL cited Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers unsportsmanlike conduct.
Among the actions prohibited under the rule are:
- Taunting
- Prolonged or excessive celebrations
- Using objects as props
- Violent gestures
- Offensive gestures
- Sexually suggestive gestures
The league categorized Juszczyk’s drinking motion as an offensive gesture. [NFL Football Operations]
The important point is that Juszczyk was not fined because players are specifically prohibited from pretending to drink beer. The NFL applied its broader unsportsmanlike-conduct rule after determining that his particular gesture constituted an offensive demonstration.
Why Was The Fine Exactly $14,926?
The amount was not randomly selected.
The NFL and NFL Players Association maintain a collectively bargained schedule establishing standard fines for various on-field violations.
For the 2026 season, the scheduled first-offense fine for unsportsmanlike conduct is $14,926.
| Sportsmanship Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Unsportsmanlike Conduct | $14,926 | $20,897 |
| Taunting | $11,941 | $17,911 |
| Throwing Football Into Stands | $8,357 | $14,328 |
Did Kyle Juszczyk Get Penalized During The Game?
No widely reported flag was thrown on Juszczyk for the drinking gesture when it happened.
That does not prevent the NFL from issuing discipline afterward.
The NFL’s Football Operations department reviews plays after games and can issue fines even when officials did not call a penalty on the field.
Players who are fined receive a letter explaining the violation, the amount and the procedure for appealing the discipline. [NFL Football Operations]
Is Kyle Juszczyk Appealing The Fine?
Yes.
Juszczyk has already appealed the $14,926 punishment.
His argument is essentially that the NFL misunderstood the meaning of his celebration: the league saw a beer-chugging gesture while Juszczyk says he was performing his established “Juice” celebration.
His appeal will be heard by an appeals officer jointly appointed and paid by the NFL and NFL Players Association. The officer’s decision is final and binding. [NFL Football Operations]
What Happens If Kyle Juszczyk Wins His Appeal?
If the appeals officer rescinds the discipline, Juszczyk will not have to pay the $14,926.
If the fine is upheld, the NFL will withhold the money from his game check.
The appeals officer can review the play as well as the arguments presented by the league and the player before making a decision. [NFL Football Operations]
Could Kyle Juszczyk Be Suspended For Doing It Again?
The NFL’s letter warned Juszczyk that repeated violations can result in escalating discipline, potentially including a suspension. [ESPN]
That does not mean another “Juice” celebration would automatically result in a suspension.
It means continued violations of the league’s conduct rules can lead to increasingly severe punishment.
How Did George Kittle React To The Fine?
49ers tight end George Kittle responded by making fun of the situation.
Kittle joked that the team should change Juszczyk’s nickname from “Juice” to “Beer.”
He also posted a joking video involving Juszczyk before practice and confirmed that his teammate is not much of a beer drinker. [Yahoo Sports]
Juszczyk joined in on the joke.
When reporters reached his locker Thursday, he had placed a container wrapped in paper on the shelf with the words “NOT BEER” written on it. A picture of a juice box featuring his No. 44 was also displayed. [AP]
Were Other NFL Players Fined For Celebrations?
Yes.
Juszczyk was not the only player disciplined as the NFL scrutinized celebrations during Week 2.
Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves was also fined after participating in a celebration in which he appeared to chug a pretend drink following a Tyler Warren touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were also among players facing discipline for celebration gestures that week. [Yahoo Sports]
That broader enforcement helps explain why a celebration Juszczyk had previously performed without punishment suddenly attracted league discipline in 2026.
Was This Kyle Juszczyk’s First Fine Of 2026?
No.
Juszczyk had already been fined $20,033 following San Francisco’s Week 1 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
That fine was completely unrelated to the “Juice” celebration.
The NFL fined him for unnecessary roughness involving illegal use of the helmet while making a block. The NFL’s official accountability database lists Juszczyk’s Week 1 violation as “Use of the helmet.” [NFL Football Operations]
| Week | Violation | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 vs. Rams | Illegal use of helmet | $20,033 |
| Week 2 vs. Dolphins | Offensive demonstration / drinking celebration | $14,926 |
| Total | $34,959 |
Juszczyk is appealing both fines. [AP]
Why Is Kyle Juszczyk’s Fine Controversial?
The disagreement is primarily about what the gesture actually represents.
The NFL interpreted it as pretending to drink beer and classified that as an offensive demonstration.
Juszczyk says the league misunderstood a celebration directly connected to his well-established “Juice” nickname.
There are several facts supporting why he was surprised:
- His nickname has been “Juice” for years.
- 49ers fans regularly chant “Juice” when he makes plays.
- He says the gesture represents drinking juice.
- He has performed versions of the celebration for years.
- He had never previously been fined for it.
That dispute is now what Juszczyk’s formal appeal will address.
Kyle Juszczyk Fine FAQ
Why was Kyle Juszczyk fined?
The NFL fined Juszczyk because it interpreted his drinking celebration after a touchdown against Miami as mimicking a beer chug and classified it as an offensive demonstration. [ESPN]
How much was Kyle Juszczyk fined?
He was fined $14,926 for the Week 2 celebration.
What does Kyle Juszczyk say he was drinking?
Juszczyk says he was pretending to drink juice, a reference to his nickname “Juice.”
Does Kyle Juszczyk drink beer?
Juszczyk says he rarely drinks alcohol and told ESPN that he does not even drink beer.
Is Kyle Juszczyk appealing the fine?
Yes. He has appealed the NFL’s decision.
Has Juszczyk used the celebration before?
Yes. He says he has performed it for years, and teammates have also said they have seen him use it repeatedly without previously being fined.
What touchdown led to the fine?
Juszczyk caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy during the third quarter of San Francisco’s 35-13 victory over Miami. [Yahoo Sports]
Was Kyle Juszczyk fined the week before?
Yes. He was fined $20,033 for illegal use of the helmet during the 49ers’ Week 1 win over the Rams. That fine was unrelated to the celebration. [NFL Football Operations]
How much has Kyle Juszczyk been fined in 2026?
The two announced fines total $34,959, although Juszczyk is appealing both and therefore may ultimately pay less if either appeal succeeds.
