In 2006, the NFL made a new rule prohibiting any kind of celebration in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. It will result in a whopping 15-yard penalty if the rule is broken. Players are not allowed to use any types of props, including the football, nor are they allowed to dance, choreograph, or perform any physical form of celebrating. In my opinion, the most difficult thing they are asked not to do is demonstrate multi-player excitement after scoring. For example, a player cannot even high five their teammate after making a big play or they are charged with the penalty. I think that would be so hard because I turn to my teammates for reassurance in any situation, and I would definitely want to congratulate a friend for doing something good!

Over time, this rule seems to have caused a lot of controversy. Just recently it stirred up trouble with the Oakland Raiders. On October 4, Chris Johnson claims to have dropped to his knees as a gesture to thank God after picking off a pass. He was disheartened when he was called for a personal foul. The rules do clearly state that you cannot drop to your knees, so the foul was the right call, but the rule just seems a little unfair and sometimes inconsistent.

Even in college football, the excessive celebration rule comes into play from time to time. Last season, a game was unquestionably lost because of it. The Washington Huskies' Jake Locker scored a touchdown with 2 seconds left in the game, and the extra point would have tied the game. However, officials whistled him for throwing the ball too high over his shoulder after scoring, so the kicker was forced to attempt a 35- yard extra point kick. Though the kick was blocked by BYU and they lost the game by one point, the game could have possibly ended differently if they weren't penalized. It is just crazy to think that one person's mistake could change the outcome of an entire football game, whether it is a college or professional game.

Honestly, I would be upset if my favorite teams were pushed back 15 yards in any situation, especially if it was for something like excessive celebration. Why is it a personal foul if a player gets so excited that they accidently give a teammate a high five, but the Packers are literally allowed to jump into the stands and celebrate with fans in their Lambeau Leap? Maybe if the celebration rule was more consistent and clear, players wouldn't break it as often and this controversy wouldn't be present all the time in football.