Jason Kelce has never been one to bite his tongue, and the NFL just gave him another reason to sound off. The former Eagles center and current ESPN analyst is seeing red after the league fined San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk nearly $15,000 for a celebration that looked a lot like chugging a beer.
The NFL handed down the punishment on Thursday, citing Juszczyk's "offensive demonstration" during the 49ers' blowout win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. In its letter to the fullback nicknamed "Juice," the league claimed the celebration "could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste." That reasoning didn't sit well with Kelce—or just about anyone else who watched the play.
Kelce's Beer Company Steps Up
Kelce, who co-founded Garage Beer, wasted no time firing back on social media. He made it clear that his company would happily cover the fine, calling the punishment an "injustice" and declaring that the beer is on them. Garage Beer echoed the sentiment, asking for a contact to send the $15,000.
It's a move that fits Kelce's persona perfectly—loyal, unfiltered, and always ready to back a player who's getting a raw deal. Fans have already seen him support bold moves before, like when he backed the Eagles' O-line shuffle earlier this season. Now he's using his platform and his business to push back against a fine that many consider absurd.
Juszczyk Fires Back: 'I Don't Even Drink Beer'
If the fine itself wasn't ridiculous enough, Juszczyk added a hilarious twist. In a text to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he pointed out the obvious: "And I don't even drink beer!" The fullback has performed this celebration multiple times throughout his career, and it's never been flagged before. He's already appealing the fine, and with the wave of support pouring in, there's a real chance it gets overturned.
J.J. Watt, the legendary defensive end turned CBS broadcaster, also weighed in with a perfect dose of sarcasm. "I'm just going to go out on a limb here… For a guy whose nickname is Juice, could it not be 'reasonably construed' that he is drinking… stay with me here… Juice?" Watt posted on X. It's hard to argue with that logic.
Social Media Erupts in Support
The football world has largely rallied behind Juszczyk, with players, fans, and analysts all mocking the league's decision. The fine feels like yet another example of the NFL's inconsistent and often puzzling approach to policing celebrations. While the league has loosened the reins on touchdown antics in recent years, this particular ruling seems to have struck a nerve.
Kelce's involvement adds another layer of intrigue. He's become a massive media personality since retiring, and his opinions carry weight. Whether it's analyzing games on ESPN or sounding off on league matters, he's never short on passion. His response to this fine is no exception.
For now, Juszczyk's appeal will run its course, but the court of public opinion has already delivered its verdict. With Kelce and Garage Beer ready to write a check, the NFL might want to reconsider its definition of "poor taste." After all, if a fake beer chug is offensive, what's next?
The 49ers, meanwhile, are sitting pretty at 2-0 after their win over Miami. They'll look to keep rolling, and Juszczyk will likely keep celebrating however he pleases—fine or no fine.
