When the NFL slapped San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk with a $14,926 fine for pretending to chug a beer, his wife, Kristin Juszczyk, didn't just sit back and stew. Instead, she whipped up a response that was equal parts clever and comedic—and fans ate it up.
In a video posted to Instagram, Kristin and Kyle stare deadpan into the camera as Kyle repeatedly juices oranges. The on-screen caption? “$14,926 glass of juice.” Kristin drove the point home in her caption: “Kyle's got a drinking problem.” It was a perfect poke at the league's decision to penalize her husband for a pantomimed gesture.
The fine stemmed from Juszczyk's celebration during a game, where he mimicked taking a drink—a move the NFL deemed an “alcoholic drink gesture.” But as many fans quickly pointed out, the punishment reeks of hypocrisy. The league rakes in millions from alcohol advertising and sales at stadiums, yet fines a player for a harmless fake sip. The irony wasn't lost on anyone.
Social media erupted with support for Juszczyk and criticism of the NFL. One X user wrote, “Isn't it ironic the NFL will fine you for a ‘alcohol drinking gesture' but SELLS ALCOHOL IN ABUNDANCE AT EVERY STADIUM.” Another added, “Crazy to fine him for the act of ‘chugging a beer' when Bud Light is the official beer of the NFL.” A third joked, “Next time he scores, can someone please actually bring him a juice box on the field? Please. I beg.”
The absurdity of the situation has only grown, especially given Juszczyk's nickname: “Juice.” As fans noted, the NFL can't prove he was mimicking alcohol rather than, say, drinking a glass of orange juice. The league's lack of evidence and selective enforcement have sparked a broader debate about its priorities. Many are calling for the fine to be rescinded, but the NFL's policy seems rigid.
Kristin Juszczyk, already a social media darling for her custom game-day outfits, has once again shown why she's a fan favorite. Her playful response turned a frustrating situation into a viral moment, highlighting the absurdity of the fine while endearing the couple even more to the public.
For now, the Juszczyks are having the last laugh. And if the NFL won't see reason, maybe they should consider setting up a juice stand at Levi's Stadium—proceeds going toward that ridiculous fine. As one fan put it, “Need to set up a juice stand at the games. $1 a box and proceeds go towards paying the ridiculous fine.”
This isn't the first time the NFL's disciplinary decisions have raised eyebrows. From beer hypocrisy to inconsistent fines, the league often finds itself in hot water. But leave it to the Juszczyks to handle it with humor and grace. And for those keeping score, Kyle's fine for the fake chug might just be the most expensive glass of juice in NFL history.
