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Washington Redskins: 3 Touchdown celebrations we can’t forget

By Donny Starr

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Touchdown celebrations are back, so we look at three Washington Redskins celebrations from 2016 we won’t forget, and are excited won’t be penalized.

Washington Redskins players and fans will get to have some fun in 2017, as touchdown celebrations are a go. Fun you say?

In a letter to fans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “We know that you love the spontaneous displays of emotion that come after a spectacular touchdown. And players have told us they want more freedom to be able to express themselves and celebrate their athletic achievements.”

The change comes after a painful era that considered these behaviors “excessive celebrations”.

The Redskins were one of many teams penalized for touchdown celebrations. As a result, they too were fined thousands of dollars. That’s now a thing of the past. Redskins fans should look out for some interesting end zone dances.

In 2016, three Washington Redskins players had some great celebrations that were unfortunately penalized. Let’s hope they get the opportunity to redeem themselves this season as we look back at three of the most memorable celebrations.

Washington Redskins
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) makes a one handed catch against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Josh Norman goes full archery-mode

The first of the notable touchdown celebrations from the Washington Redskins has to be the infamous bow and arrow gesture by Norman. This wasn’t the first time he shot the invisible arrow, but it was the first time he got penalized for it.

According to several reports, he thought he would just get a warning for the gesture. In fact, he thought he got away with it. The league fined him $9,115.00.

In the days after the game, Norman was very vocal about the penalty and accused the league double standard. He cited beer commercials and other things the league accepts. However, when it comes to touchdown celebrations, that’s what they considered unacceptable. He also accused the NFL of taking the fun out of the game.

Not being able to celebrate was a hard change for players who grew up watching players like Elbert “Ickey” Woods of the Cincinatti Bengals. He was known for his famous “Ickey Shuffle”.  Celebrations after a big play is just as much a part of football as tossing Gatorade on the coach.

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