
Imago
Image credits: Imago

Imago
Image credits: Imago
The Buccaneers running back Buck Irving has been one of the latest victims of the NFL’s league-wide crackdown on celebrations. The Bucs star was hit with a fine for a “nose-wiping” celebration against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, which was considered a “violent gesture” by the league. Surprisingly, ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Irving was involved in a special religious ceremony, which has been construed as his way of seeking forgiveness for his mistakes.
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In a video originally shared by his teammate, star linebacker Lavonte David, Buck Irving was seen getting baptized on Sunday morning.
Bucky Irving got baptized today before today’s game🙏
via: _0daviidd/IG pic.twitter.com/ZNhb33shYt
— Matthew Hewitt (@BucsTrackerNFL) December 7, 2025
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As Buck Irving stood on stage during his baptism, he described the moment as something entirely different from what he had imagined.
“I feel like I had a rock bottom moment about two months ago, and God is the only person that I found,” Bucky told the crowd.
The timeline lines up with Irving’s comments as the star running back has dealt with critical foot and shoulder injuries in Week 4. Since then, he was spotted wearing a walking boot that week and hadn’t practiced since. Irving eventually returned to practice in Week 11 before the game against the Buffalo Bills, but wasn’t part of the starting lineup until the game against the Cardinals.
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On his return against Arizona, Buck Irving had a solid performance, rushing for 61 yards on 17 carries and scoring a touchdown, which he celebrated, leading to his eventual fine.
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How much did the NFL fine Buck Irving for his celebration?
Against the Arizona Cardinals, QB 1 Baker Mayfield completed a handoff to Buck Irving at the 15-yard line with about four minutes remaining in the third quarter. As Irving completed the touchdown, the two of them celebrated as the Bucs were 17-3 ahead.
The gesture in question occurred from both players at the very end of their touchdown celebration, where they looked to “wipe their nose.” This gesture has been popularized in rap music culture and relates to wiping an opponent’s nose, or to take them out. As a result, the NFL has classified it as a “violent gesture.” Mayfield and Irving were not penalized on the play, but the NFL fined both players after the game.
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Irving was fined $6,349 for the celebration, whereas Mayfield was hit with a $14,191 fine. This difference in penalties is based on the percentage of each player’s contract, which is why Mayfield’s penalty was higher. This has been a recent trend in the league as, in total, the NFL has issued 29 fines stemming from Week 13.
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With players across the league bringing out new celebrations every other week, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the next one to face the wrath of the league.
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