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Kyle Juszczyk claims his TD celebration is drinking juice, not beer
The NFL — in true No Fun League mode — fined San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk nearly $15K for a celebration they perceived as drinking a beer. Juszczyk — whose nickname is “Juice” — insists he was NOT miming drinking a beer, but a juice in honor of his nickname.
Earlier this week, the longtime 49ers fullback was hit with a $14,926 fine for an “offensive demonstration” after his touchdown celebration in San Francisco’s September 20 win over Miami.
In their letter detailing the fine, the NFL described Juszczyk’s TD celebration as an “imitation of chugging a beer” that “could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste.”
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk claims his touchdown celebration is meant to be him drinking juice, not beer
Juszczyk, however, claims he has been doing that exact celebration for years, and that it has nothing to do with alcohol, but is instead a nod to his nickname, “Juice.” On Instagram, Juszczyk posted a series of photos of him doing the celebration over the years to prove his point. The slideshow also featured photos of fans, kids among them, copying it in the stands and holding up signs referencing his nickname.
When speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the 2-0 Niners’ matchup against the Arizona Cardinals,
Juszczyk propped up a water bottle wrapped in tape labeled “NOT BEER” in his locker.
“I don’t even drink beer. I maybe drink like five times a year in the offseason. And it’s usually with George [Kittle] because he pressures me,” Juice explained.
Kyle Juszczyk was surprised by fine. And he is labeling his drinks now (see above) pic.twitter.com/00MH37eCxK
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 24, 2026
“Can confirm he doesn’t really drink beer but is a good guy. I think we’re going to sign a petition to Juice’s new nickname is Beer now,” Kittle added.
Kyle and his wife Kristin had some fun with the fine on Instagram by posting a video of them squeezing a “$14,926 glass of juice”
It’s been a costly start to the 2026 season for Juszczyk, as he was also fined $20,033 in Week 1 for a helmet-related infraction against the Rams during San Francisco’s opener. He’s currently appealing both penalties through the league’s formal process.