Jason Kelce encourages Kyle Juszczyk to sue the NFL over the suspension handed out to the 49ers player
Juszczyk appeals fine as Jason Kelce comes to his defense
Jason Kelce has entered the conversation surrounding Kyle Juszczyk’s NFL punishment, and the former Philadelphia Eagles center had a rather bold suggestion for the San Francisco 49ers fullback.
Juszczyk was fined $14,926 following his touchdown celebration during San Francisco’s Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL classified the celebration as an “offensive demonstration” because Juszczyk appeared to imitate chugging a beer. The league’s letter stated that the gesture could “reasonably be construed as being in poor taste.”
Juszczyk has appealed the fine, arguing that the celebration was never intended to represent alcohol consumption. In fact, the gesture has been part of his celebrations for years and is connected to his nickname, “Juice.”
The incident occurred after Juszczyk caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy in the third quarter. His reception extended the 49ers’ lead over Miami to 28-6, after which he performed his familiar chugging motion.
According to reports, this marks the first time Juszczyk has been fined for the celebration, despite having used the gesture on previous occasions. The veteran fullback also made his feelings about the situation clear with a simple response: “And I don’t even drink beer!”
Jason Kelce weighs in on Juszczyk’s appeal
Kelce wasn’t about to let the unusual fine pass without offering his opinion. Responding to the news on X, the former Eagles star jokingly suggested that Juszczyk should threaten to counter-sue the NFL for defamation.
“Juszczyk should threaten to counter-sue for defamation. How dare the NFL allege false accusations? No way they can prove he was chugging alcohol. He was chugging that ‘juice,’” wrote Kelce .
While Kelce’s legal suggestion appeared to be made humorously, his comments reflect his willingness to speak about league decisions since ending his playing career.
The former All-Pro center has remained a prominent voice around the NFL, frequently discussing rules, officiating, player safety and other league-related controversies.
The fine also adds to Juszczyk’s disciplinary history during the opening weeks of the 2026 season. He was previously fined $20,033 after San Francisco’s Week 1 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. That punishment was reportedly issued for illegal use of his helmet.
Juszczyk has also received fines in previous seasons for helmet-related violations, including two penalties of roughly $10,000 during San Francisco’s NFC wild-card victory over the Eagles in January.
However, Juszczyk’s focus remains on the NFL’s appeal process rather than the tongue-in-cheek legal route suggested by Kelce . The appeal will determine whether the $14,926 fine remains in place.
The controversy has attracted attention largely because Juszczyk’s celebration has been a familiar part of his career and was intended as a reference to “Juice,” rather than an endorsement of drinking.
