Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle turned his NFL fine into a charitable moment after being penalized for his touchdown celebration against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Following his third-quarter touchdown in the Panthers’ 16-13 victory, Dowdle mimicked the popular “Key & Peele” sketch featuring the character Hingle McCringleberry. He performed two hip thrusts before stopping. Despite adhering to the sketch’s “two-pump” rule, officials flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct. On Wednesday, Dowdle revealed on social media that the NFL had fined him for the celebration.
Jokingly, Dowdle tweeted, “Starting a GoFundMe 🤣 they got me 🥹,” hinting at raising money to cover the fine. However, the running back took it a step further by actually launching a GoFundMe campaign—not to pay the fine, but to raise funds for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.
“After much thought, I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines,” Dowdle wrote. “Key said I got three pumps but I guess the NFL disagrees.” He then explained the real purpose behind the fundraiser and praised the organization’s work in family preservation, adoption, and foster care.
“Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina,” he added. “Children’s Home Society promotes the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family. They specialize in education and prevention programs, family preservation, and adoption and foster care. Let’s raise some money.”
By Thursday morning, the fundraiser had already collected over $14,700.
### Comedian Keegan-Michael Key Responds
Comedian Keegan-Michael Key weighed in on the penalty. Referencing his iconic “Key & Peele” character Hingle McCringleberry, Key posted on Instagram:
“Rico! Man, you got robbed you only did two pumps. I’m sorry, man. Now I’m gonna have to write a new sketch.”
### Panthers Coach Comments on Incident
Panthers coach Dave Canales also addressed the situation:
“We’ve got to be smarter in that situation. We’ve got to make sure that we understand the rules. I might have to call up Keegan-Michael Key to get clarification on that part of it.”
### Dowdle’s Reaction to the Fine
Dowdle admitted he was initially confused by the penalty.
“From my understanding and everything I’ve learned, we go over stuff like this every week,” he said post-game. “I definitely think you’re supposed to get two pumps. Hopefully, I don’t get a fine.”
Rico Dowdle finished the game with 130 rushing yards, including a crucial 19-yard run that set up Carolina’s game-winning field goal.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-rico-dowdle-jokes-gofundme-revealing-nfl-fined-panthers-rb-key-peele-celebration-vs-packers