You know what would make the NFL really popular in America?
Snow angels.
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USA Today's Tom Pelissero was one of the first to break the news about what will and will not be allowed after crossing the goal line in 2017.
Prolonged acts, miming weapons, offensive gestures, sexually suggestive stuff still expected to be banned. That includes twerking. Sorry, AB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2017
What's even better than Pelissero's tweet is this letter from the commissioner that was just posted. What's so exciting about a letter drummed up by the NFL's PR staff?
GIFs of players using the ball as a prop, making snow angels, and celebrating as a group.
No really, you simply must click here or on Goodell's tweet to check it out for yourself.
Following conversations with dozens of players, we’re making changes to our celebrations policy: https://t.co/1NLdEJjsGD
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) May 23, 2017
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NFL.com[/credit]
So what's not allowed? Sadly, this.
@nflcommish Mood. pic.twitter.com/dzW34o6VT9
— ™Marcus (@TheMisterMarcus) May 23, 2017
That also means no fantastic celebrations like that of the great Hingle McCringleberry.
If you want all the nitty-gritty details, here's the full letter as released by the league today.
Touchdown celebrations: snow angels, group demonstrations and more are back!
Just as NFL teams use the offseason to get better, at the league we use this time to listen to players, coaches, officials and fans about how we can continue to improve our great game.
Earlier this spring, we announced plans to deliver a more exciting game experience, with changes to improve the pace of the game and minimize unnecessary disruptions to the action on the field. We also took important steps on health and safety, including approving new rules prohibiting the "leaper" block attempt—a top priority from our players.
Today, we are excited to tell you about another change that comes after conversations with more than 80 current and former players: we are relaxing our rules on celebrations to allow players more room to have fun after they make big plays.
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.
In my conversations with NFL players, it was also clear how much our players care about sportsmanship, clean competition, and setting good examples for young athletes. That is why offensive demonstrations, celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game, and those directed at an opponent, will still be penalized.
We know we have more work to do. We are grateful to the many current and retired players who engaged with us on this topic and we look forward to ongoing dialogue with them as we continue to work to improve this game we all love.
Thank you for your support.
Roger Goodell
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