Rico Dowdle nearly set social media on fire again during the Carolina Panthers’ Week 10 clash with the New Orleans Saints. In the first quarter, after finding the end zone, Dowdle struck a familiar pose, both hands on his head, knees bent slightly, setting up for what fans instantly recognized as the start of his now-famous “two pump” celebration.
For a split second, it looked like he was about to do it again. But just as quickly, he backed off, dropped the stance, and sprinted away to celebrate safely with his teammates.
It was a playful moment and a clear nod to what had happened the week before. Against the Green Bay Packers, Dowdle had channeled the iconic Key and Peele sketch featuring fictional football player Hingle McCringleberry.
#Panthers RB Rico Dowdle with an elite “zero pumps” celebration. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/AhnZxWAiBO
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 9, 2025
In the sketch, a referee penalizes the player for doing three pelvic thrusts after a touchdown, the joke being that two pumps are fine, but the third is excessive. Dowdle mimicked that idea with two pumps during his touchdown celebration, believing he was in the clear.
The NFL didn’t see it that way. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and later fined $14,491 for the act, which also cost the Panthers a longer extra-point attempt. That experience was still fresh on his mind today.
When Dowdle scored against the Saints, he teased the crowd and the cameras, making it seem like he was about to repeat the move but wisely stopped short. The fans laughed, the teammates cheered, and most importantly, no flag flew this time.
Dowdle’s restraint turned into one of the lighter moments of the day, a tongue-in-cheek reminder that even the funniest celebrations can carry expensive consequences in the NFL, which, for some fans, stands for “No Fun League”.
Keegan-Michael Key Linked Up With Rico Dowdle and the Panthers
After the viral celebration and fine, the story took an even more entertaining turn. Comedian Keegan-Michael Key, co-creator of Key and Peele, joined the Panthers for a team meeting via video call.
He congratulated Dowdle on the touchdown and laughed about how the fictional rules of the sketch didn’t exactly hold up in the real NFL. Key and his partner even donated $15,000 to the charity Dowdle had chosen, matching the amount he was fined.
Rico was pretty pumped to see him pic.twitter.com/azDvoWgvEr
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 8, 2025
Dowdle had launched a GoFundMe page in jest, saying, “they got me.” Key’s virtual appearance and donation not only lifted team spirits but also cemented Dowdle’s moment as one of the most talked-about stories of the season.
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