Much of the NFL media spotlight is on the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, but one offseason event that doesn’t get as much attention is the Annual League Meeting. That’s where the competition committee and team owners gather to talk through potential rule changes.
This year’s proposals focus on kickoffs, overtime, replay assist, and some larger-scope rule tweaks. One area that can be adjusted at any time is penalties — and ahead of the 2025 season, the NFL has decided to crack down on a particular celebration.
NFL Bans ‘Nose-Wipe’ Celebration, Deebo Samuel Isn’t Pleased
The celebration getting attention is one made popular by Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb. He’s been doing the “nose-wipe” since entering the league, but the NFL has now classified it as a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Lamb came into the league as a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and quickly became a centerpiece of the Dallas offense. He finished his rookie year with 74 catches, 935 yards, and five touchdowns. He’s since been selected to four straight Pro Bowls, with his best season coming in 2023.
That year, Lamb was named a first-team All-Pro after racking up 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 135 receptions led the league, and the “nose-wipe” celebration became familiar.
Another fan of the celebration is Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel. The 2021 All-Pro isn’t a fan of the new penalty and made sure to voice his thoughts on social media.
NFL Enthusiast, an account on X, posted: “Deebo Samuel isn’t happy about the league banning the ‘nose wipe’ celebration.” The tweet included two screenshots from Samuel’s Instagram—one showing his reaction to the rule, the other of him performing the celebration.
The first screenshot featured the caption, “Nah this is Kraxy!!!!!” and an image of the rulebook entry. According to the NFL, the “nose-wipe” is considered a “violent gesture.” The second screenshot shows Samuel doing the celebration during a game against the Miami Dolphins last season.
Deebo Samuel isn’t happy about the league banking the “nose wipe” celebration. pic.twitter.com/L437sotRnB
— NFL Enthusiast (@NFLEnthusiast1) March 27, 2025
The six-year veteran had seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown that game. It was his third-highest yardage total of the season and second-highest in receptions — so the celebration wasn’t out of place.
Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams reported on the rule: “The nose wipe is a gang sign associated with the Bloods, indicating someone is untrustworthy.” Gang-related gestures fall under the league’s “violent gesture” category, so Samuel, Lamb, and the rest of the league’s players must adjust to the new rule this season.