Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was fined a five-figure sum, $14,491, by the NFL on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, for his touchdown celebration during the team’s 16-13 upset victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 2. But Dowdle had other plans in mind rather than accepting the fine quietly,

Rico decided to turn the situation into a positive one. He launched a GoFundMe campaign in partnership with GoFundMe, with 100% of all proceeds raised going directly to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, an organization that advocates for foster care, adoption, family preservation, and child welfare programs.

During his third-quarter touchdown celebration, Dowdle performed two pelvic thrusts while surrounded by his teammates. This was a direct reference to the famous 2013 “Key & Peele” comedy sketch featuring fictional NFL player Hingle McCringleberry. The celebration drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that pushed back the extra-point attempt, which rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald subsequently missed. Despite the missed point, the Panthers still secured the win.

As for Dowdle himself, he was sidelined from Wednesday’s practice due to a quad issue, though it wasn’t connected to the incident. Head coach Dave Canales brushed off any major concern, noting that the team still expects the running back to be ready for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. According to reports, none of Dowdle’s teammates received fines for the celebration.

Notably, Keegan-Michael Key, who created the sketch, responded to Dowdle’s flagging with a social media post stating:

“Rico! Man, you got robbed—you only did two pumps. I’m sorry, man. Now I’m gonna have to write a new sketch.”​

Dowdle’s agent, David Canter, announced that the fine would be appealed. However, the player’s focus has remained on the charitable aspect of the situation rather than fighting the penalty itself.​ Fans are expressing their admiration for the Panthers’ star for such a bold move.

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Fans show support for Rico Dowdle’s gesture

Rico Dowdle’s charitable decision has made him a fan favorite. His Week 9 performance, 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against Green Bay’s highly ranked run defense, was noteworthy. It was a career-defining moment that validated the faith fans had placed in him.

One fan conveyed this with high praise, “lol this is so awesome. my fantasy team loves you. you’re a good human, my dude.” The fan acknowledged the character Dowdle displayed through the charitable campaign.

The form that Rico has carried has been impressive throughout this season. Through eight weeks, Dowdle has 735 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 131 carries. One fan addressed what this meant for the future, “Panthers needa lock you in for the rest of your career 🙏.” It was clear that the fans view him as a long-term player who could go on to play a fulfilling career at the team.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell had projected how Carolina faced a complex decision regarding whether to trade Dowdle to a contender before the November 4 deadline. But Coach Dave Canales’ decision to grant Dowdle the starting role in Week 9 signaled the coaching staff’s growing preference. And now with Dowdle making this announcement, it’s quite sure he has made his place in fans’ hearts as well.

The campaign has accumulated approximately $10,000 by Wednesday night. In fact, this came as a pleasant surprise to many. One fan stated, “9K already, we got you my king. Own these b*** on Sunday 🙏.” Another wrote, “Dropping my paycheck to help cover this one king 🫡.” By partnering for a cause, Dowdle brought various people together to not just talk about the penalty but also give to a cause.

A fan even said, “Bro, you will NEVER see my bench for the rest of the season. You’re a class act!” Dowdle’s impact isn’t limited to off-field admiration. In Weeks 5 and 6, while Hubbard was sidelined with a calf injury, he carried the load with 53 rushes for 389 yards, proving his value on the field as well.

Over the last few days, Rico Dowdle has shown true leadership with genuine philanthropy to become a respected figure both on and off the field. This moment has not just raised money but also his status amongst the fans.