Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ezekiel Elliott won't be fined for jumping into Salvation Army kettle

Published Dec. 19, 2016 10:42 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Dallas Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott had a huge game Sunday night against the Buccaneers, rushing for a career-high 159 yards and one touchdown. After his first-half score, Elliott pulled off what was arguably the most unexpected touchdown celebration of the season.

He took the ball and jumped into the red Salvation Army kettle behind the end zone, ducking down as to hide in the massive pot. It cost him and the Cowboys 15 yards, but it won’t cost him any cash.

According to Brian McCarthy of the NFL’s public relations department, Elliott won’t be fined for his leap.

https://twitter.com/NFLprguy/status/810850190143930369

This is a case of the NFL being generous and using a bit of discretion rather than sticking to its strict guidelines when it comes to celebrations. If anything, Elliott raised awareness for the Salvation Army, and it even used his celebration to ask Twitter users to contribute with a donation.

https://twitter.com/SalvationArmyUS/status/810682617569886211

Perhaps this is the NFL’s way of saying “Merry Christmas” to Elliott and the Salvation Army. And even though Elliott won't be fined for his celebration, he'll still be making a donation to the Salvation Army.

https://twitter.com/EzekielElliott/status/810870304092409856

Last month, Elliott and the Cowboys gave back to the community by working with the Salvation Army to serve an early Thanksgiving dinner.

https://twitter.com/DMN_George/status/798220611151687680

https://twitter.com/DMN_George/status/798224033934295040