Rico Dowdle Fakes Key & Peele Celebration After TD in Viral Video Following Fine

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle reached the end zone once again this week, and it appears he learned his lesson.

After being penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and fined $14,000 for his Hingle McCringleberry celebration from the old Comedy Central show, Key & Peele, in last week's 16-13 win over the Green Bay Packers, Dowdle faked the celebration when he scored a touchdown in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

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Dowdle joked that he was starting a GoFundMe to pay his fine for last week's celebration, and he went through with it to use the newfound attention to raise money for the Children's Home Society of North Carolina, which "supports families with foster care, adoption, and family preservation."

"After much thought I've launched a GoFundMe for my fines. Key said I got three pumps but I guess the NFL disagrees," Dowdle joked. "Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to 56-Children's Home Society of North Carolina. 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."

Dowdle has been one of the rising stars of the 2025 season. After entering the year as Carolina's backup running back behind Chuba Hubbard, he's emerged as a focal point of the team's offense. He entered Sunday's game ranked fourth in the NFL with 735 rushing yards.

The Panthers will continue to use Dowdle as their lead ball-carrier, so he will surely have more opportunities to score more touchdowns. However, it appears that his favorite celebration is retired for now.