Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle turned a simple touchdown celebration — and a big NFL fine — into something that ended up helping children across North Carolina. What started as a $14,491 penalty became more than $45,000 raised for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.
The trouble began during the Panthers’ game against the Green Bay Packers. After scoring a touchdown, Rico Dowdle did a “two-pump” hip-thrust celebration inspired by the popular Key & Peele comedy sketch. The referee immediately threw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct, giving Carolina a 15-yard penalty. Later, the league also fined Dowdle for the move.
Rico Dowdle didn’t fully agree with the call. He said that based on what players learn in team meetings, two hip thrusts should be allowed. He even planned to appeal the fine.
To make light of the situation, he started a GoFundMe as a joke, saying the NFL fine inspired it. But what he expected to be something small quickly grew into something much bigger. Fans began donating, and then comedian Keegan-Michael Key and his wife added a huge $15,000 donation of their own. Key even joked that the NFL got the rule wrong.
A former referee later explained that the celebration wasn’t “subtle” enough, which is why Dowdle was penalized. But by that point, the fine no longer mattered. The fundraiser had already gained major support.
In total, more than $45,000 was collected. Dowdle proudly delivered the check to the Children’s Home Society and visited the organization to meet the kids. He said the children were shy but very sweet, giving him high-fives and handshakes.
“It surprised me how much we were able to raise,” Dowdle said. “I’m just glad I could use my platform in a positive way.”
Rico Dowdle’s good deed joins a short list of NFL players turning punishments into charity. In 2019, Demario Davis raised over $250,000 for a Mississippi hospital after being fined for wearing a “Man of God” headband.
A celebration that cost Rico Dowdle almost $15,000 ended up helping children across the state. What started as a joke ended as something truly meaningful — and far bigger than a touchdown dance.
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