Recently, NFL players have been receiving fines and penalties for their on-field celebrations. The Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has been penalized twice for making “inappropriate gestures” in the end zone. Redskins cornerback Josh Norman was penalized for “shooting a bow and arrow” into the stands and was fined $10,000. In years past, the elaborate celebrations from players like Steve Smith, Chad Johnson, and Terrell Owens were accepted as part of the game and loved by teammates and fans alike. Now, it seems that the NFL wants to limit the number of celebrations and restrict players from expressing themselves on the field.

Aside from celebrations, the NFL has made the rules of the game even more confusing year after year. Years ago, you could tackle or hit a player however you wanted just as long as you made the play. Today, players can’t make a tackle or hit above the shoulders, the quarterback can’t get hit in the knees or helmet, and receivers are virtually untouchable down the field. NFL officials, commentators, and the commissioner have said that they are only trying to clarify the rules and care for their players. In response to these rules and excessive penalties, sports reporters and fans across the world have called the NFL the “No Fun League”. Will the NFL ever let these players be free and play the game they love without being heavily penalized?