Cowboys Star CeeDee Lamb's Signature 'Nose Wipe' Celebration Banned by NFL

Sarah Johnson
March 28, 2025
Brief
The NFL has banned CeeDee Lamb's 'nose wipe' celebration, adding it to prohibited gestures. Dallas Cowboys players face penalties for violations, prompting Lamb to tease new celebrations.
CeeDee Lamb might have to retire his famous "nose wipe" celebration, as the NFL has officially banned the gesture going forward. The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver's signature move has been added to Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(d), which prohibits certain gestures deemed violent, suggestive, or offensive during games.
The league clarified that these banned gestures include throat slashes, simulated gun actions, sexually suggestive acts, and now, the "nose wipe." According to reports, the gesture has alleged connections to gang symbolism and can indicate distrust or unreliability—an association the NFL clearly isn't keen on keeping.
Players caught performing the banned moves will face a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The NFL sent out a detailed rules report to all 32 teams earlier this week, highlighting these updates.
Lamb, however, didn't seem fazed by the prohibition, taking to social media to announce his next move. "smh, I have plenty in mind," he wrote, sprinkling his reaction with an unamused emoji. It's safe to say the three-time All-Pro receiver isn't short on creativity when it comes to celebrations.
The Cowboys drafted Lamb in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he's since become one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. With four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons, Lamb's talent has never been in question. Last year, despite missing two games, he posted a jaw-dropping 1,749 receiving yards—a career high.
While Lamb shines, the Cowboys as a team struggled last season, finishing with a disappointing 7-10 record. In a major shake-up, the franchise parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and brought in Brian Schottenheimer to helm the team.
As for Lamb's celebrations, fans will have to wait and see what new moves he has up his sleeve. But let's be honest—anything that doesn't involve wiping his nose will probably sit better with the league.
Topics
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!
Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.