Rico Dowdle Speaks Out About NFL After ‘2 Pump’ Punishment
Running back Rico Dowdle played a key role helping the Carolina Panthers knock off the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. However, he took a hit for a controversial flag.
After scoring his second rushing touchdown, He was flagged so far for unsportsmanlike conduct. During his celebration, Dowdle pumped his hips twice. The quarterback thinks he shouldn’t have been flagged just twice and pray with the NFL not to fine him, via Joe Person of the Athletics.
“I hope they don’t fine me,” Dowdle said.
Rico Dowdle scores his second TD of the day!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/itkv81R0md
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 2, 2025
Dowdle said it was his understanding that he should have been allowed two pumps. He also mentioned that it was something they talked about in meetings. Of course, the Panthers running back references the classic Key & Peele sketch. After pumping three timesHingle McCringleberry was flagged for excessive celebration. Both the judges and the announcers note that the “rule book” says you can only pump twice.
The clip has been viewed 27 million times on YouTube. But while it became a household name among NFL fans, apparently the umpires at Lambeau Field thought more than one pump was too many.
As Dowdle awaits his potential sentence, he will bask in the glow of his Week 9 performance. He led the Panthers to victory with 130 yards rushing and his two touchdowns. Dowdle now ranks third in the NFL with 735 yards, adding four touchdowns.
The Panthers will certainly look like Dowdle again when they take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. Carolina will only limit the running backs after the touchdown.
2025-11-03 16:34:00
