Copyright New York Post
Much like Keegan-Michael Key, the NFL had something to say about Rico Dowdle’s “two-pump” touchdown celebration, too. ESPN reported Wednesday the Panthers running back, 27, has been fined $14,491 for his post-score celebrations in Carolina’s 16-13 road upset over Green Bay in Week 9. Dowdle, whose agent said the fine will be appealed, has since taken action elsewhere, launching a GoFundMe to help a children’s charity with the funds raised for the fine. “After much thought I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines. Key said I got three pumps but I guess the NFL disagrees,” Dowdle posted on his GoFundMe page. “Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Children’s Home Society promotes the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family. They specialize in education and prevention programs, family preservation, and adoption and foster care.” Over $16,000 has been raised as of Thursday morning, with a goal set at $20,000. Dowdle, who signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Panthers in the offseason, stirred buzz Sunday while reveling in his third-quarter touchdown against the Packers with two pelvic thrusts — a move that resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and Carolina missing an extra point. The two-pump celebration was featured in a 2013 “Key & Peele” sketch, in which wide receiver Hingle McCringleberry — played by Key — was flagged for his three-pump theatrics, as “the rulebook says you cannot have more than two.” Key took to Instagram on Sunday to weigh in. “Two pumps?! You got robbed!!” he exclaimed. Dowdle began his NFL career with the Cowboys in 2020 as an undrafted free agent and spent five seasons in Dallas. This has been a breakout season as he has rushed for 735 yards and four touchdowns across nine games with the Panthers, who improved to 5-4 with Sunday’s win.
