Fri, September 25, 2026
49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk fined just under $15,000 for beer-chugging gesture
San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk has appealed a $14,926 fine from the National Football League (NFL) after he allegedly made a beer chugging gesture following his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on 20 September, where the 49ers eventually won 35 -13.
The NFL told Juszczyk: “Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste.” However, 35-year-old Juszczyk, whose nickname is “Juice,” has reportedly been making this gesture for years without issue, and argues that the celebration was meant represent someone drinking juice from a juice box. He also stated that he does not even drink beer.
As suggested by The Athletic: “In the past, Juszczyk’s celebration has included an extended pinky, which made the action seem more dainty and un-beer-like. A recent hand injury, however, has required him to tape the pinky to the rest of his hand, making it impossible to extend it.”
The outlet also confirmed that the NFL also fined Indianapolis Colts’ Matt Goncalves $8,847 for the same gesture during the Colts V Kansas City Chiefs game during Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. Goncalves reportedly used the ball to mimic opening and chugging a beer before spiking it in front of fans. This game was the most watched Week 2 game broadcast by NBC’s Sunday Night Football, averaging 24.3 million across NBC and its streaming platform, Peacock. Goncalves also plans to appeal.
Some commenters have suggested that the NFL’s actions have been hypocritical considering Bud Light has been the NFL’s official beer sponsor since 2011.
