Kyle Juszczyk’s “juice” celebration is turning into one of the more ridiculous NFL fines of the season.
The 49ers fullback was hit with a $14,926 penalty on Thursday after what the league interpreted as a beer-chugging gesture during San Francisco’s Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. The NFL said Juszczyk violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, and the fine came on the heels of another costly league decision, since he was already docked $20,033 in Week 1.
Juszczyk didn’t hide his frustration when he spoke to reporters in the locker room. He said the celebration had nothing to do with beer and everything to do with his longtime nickname.
"I don't know how else to say it. I wasn't drinking beer in my celebration.
I think you guys all know my nickname is Juice. I have 'Juice' on my pads,” he said.
“The stadium yells 'Juice' when I catch the ball. When I celebrate, I celebrate by drinking juice, and it's been that way for years. I was as surprised as anybody when I got a fine."
He also said his first reaction came when head coach Kyle Shanahan told him about it.
"I thought maybe he was just messing with me, but it's real,” he said.
Kristin Juszczyk made sure the message got even louder. On Friday, she posted a TikTok of the couple using a hand-press juicer to squeeze orange juice, with the caption taking a direct shot at the league: “$14,926 glass of juice,” the caption read.
She also addressed the fine on her Instagram story Thursday, writing: “His name is Juice. He's drinking juice.
He just has a broken finger, so he can't bend it. But he can still catch touchdowns.
The irony of this is hilarious bc if you know Kyle, you know he barely drinks alcohol. Leave my gardening alone!”
The penalty has sparked plenty of reaction around football, with fans, critics, and players backing the 10-time Pro Bowler. Jason Kelce also pushed back on the NFL’s alcohol interpretation of the celebration.
Juszczyk, who recently reached the 10-year mark with the 49ers, has also been part of a milestone moment with George Kittle. The tight end recently shared his emotional reaction to that career achievement while reflecting on his friendship with Juszczyk.
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