Why Was George Pickens Fined $26K by NFL After Cowboys' Win vs. Raiders?

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was fined $26,085 for celebrating a Week 11 touchdown catch against the Las Vegas Raiders by jumping on a goalpost at Allegiant Stadium.

The NFL cited Pickens for "unsportsmanlike conduct" involving "use of a prop." The penalty marked the largest fine given out following Week 11.

The touchdown, which came on a 37-yard pass from Dak Prescott late in the second quarter, extended the Cowboys' early lead over the Raiders to 18 points.

Pickens was not initially assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the play.

He finished the outing with a team-high nine catches for 144 yards as the Cowboys improved to 4-5-1 with a 33-16 victory.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was also fined $14,491 by the NFL for jumping on the goalpost in a Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Although Williams may have faced a lighter financial penalty on his second infraction of the season, his celebration was more costly on the field. The Lions were assessed a 15-yard penalty, and kicker Jake Bates ultimately missed the extra point from 48 yards out.

Pickens has already racked up more than $83,000 in fines after committing five infractions through the first 10 games of his first campaign with the Cowboys.

The wide receiver was assessed a total of $28,982 in fines following a Week 2 overtime win against the New York Giants on Sept. 14.

The NFL cited Pickens for joining CeeDee Lamb in apparently using finger guns to celebrate a touchdown, as well as for removing his helmet while on the field.

Pickens was also fined twice for taunting, receiving an $11,593 penalty following a Week 7 win over the Washington Commanders and a $17,389 fine after a Week 9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Pickens received more than $90,000 in fines during his 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to his May trade to the Cowboys.

The wide receiver is having a more productive campaign than his final season in Pittsburgh, however. He's averaging a career-high 90.8 receiving yards per game, and he's leading all Cowboys receivers with 908 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns heading into Sunday's Week 12 matchup with the visiting Eagles.