NFL bans dunking on goal posts

Jimmy Graham is going to have to spend some time this offseason coming up with a new touchdown celebration. The NFL has passed a rule that will ban dunking on goal posts for the 2014 season and beyond. Dean Blandino, the NFL’s head of officials, told the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday that dunking on the goal post will be a penalty next season.

This is not going to please Graham, as the New Orleans Saints tight end slammed the ball through the uprights all 16 times he scored a touchdown last season. However, it should be noted that Graham is probably the player who inspired the rule. He literally bent the goalposts during a game against the Atlanta Falcons last season and stadium workers had to re-level them.

“@thomasmorstead: “@ProFootballTalk: League considers banning the goal post dunk http://t.co/eMo98lHUHc” #TheJimmyGrahamRule” NOOOO!

— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) March 22, 2014

Graham is not the only person who disagrees with the rule. Tony Gonzalez feels even better about his retirement now that it has passed.

The NFL says no more dunking over the goalpost. This one I don't understand. Looks like I got out just in time.

— Tony Gonzalez (@TonyGonzalez88) March 25, 2014

While banning goal post dunks is classic No Fun League stuff, you almost can’t blame the NFL for this one. Bent goal posts, although rare, are difficult to deal with in the middle of a game.