Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton “rocked the baby” with the football to celebrate his touchdown on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. Falcons running back Devonta Freeman did the same when he responded with a touchdown that tied the game in the first half.
Neither Newton nor Freeman were penalized for their celebrations. But Mike Pereira, a Fox Sports analyst who once served as the NFL’s VP of officiating, wrote on his Twitter account that both players “probably will be fined” for their actions.
Newton, who has earned attention this season for what critics say are excessive celebrations following big plays, did two dances on Carolina’s opening drive.
After a five-yard run for a first down, Newton pointed to Carolina fans in the stands and “dabbed” by lifting his right forearm as he tilted his head. After Newton scored on an eight-yard TD run three plays later, he rocked the football as if it were a baby.
Freeman scored on a four-yard TD run on the next drive. He mimicked Newton by cradling the ball and rocking it.
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