FILE - In this Jan. 30, 1983, file photo, Washington Redskins get together in the end zone to do their trademark high five to celebrate the first half touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl inPasadena, Calif. Jubilant Redskins include, from left, Rick Walker (88), Charlie Brown (87), Otis Wonsley (39), Virgil Seay (80) and Alvin Garrett (89). The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. (AP Photo)
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) - The NFL wants to put some flair back into touchdown celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop,celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose.
In an email from Commissioner Roger Goodell sent to fans in an effort to deliver "a more exciting game experience," the commissioner said the new guidelines came after conversations with more than 80 current and former players.
The league, however, will continue to penalize any celebration deemed offensive, including those that embarrass opponents or mimic the use of weapons.
"Players have told us they want more freedom to be able to express themselves," Goodell wrote.
That freedom had been stripped in many cases, with fans and media criticizing the NFL as being the "No Fun League." A 15-yard penalty often was the price paid for excessiveness.
Goodell's email also mentioned how the league is placing an emphasis on speeding up the pace of games. To go with that, he said the league knows "that you love the spontaneous displays of emotion that come after a spectacular touchdown."
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FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2016, file photo, Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis tosses the football through the goal posts to celebrate scoring a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Landover, Md. The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2016, file photo, Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates his interception with a "bow and arrow," gesture during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md. The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. The league, however, will continue to penalize any celebration deemed offensive, including those that embarrass opponents or mimic the use of weapons. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2016, file photo, Green Bay Packers' Randall Cobb makes a snow angel after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, in Green Bay, Wis. The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Jan. 8, 1983, file photo, members of the Washington Redskins celebrate after Alvin Garrett (89) scored against the Detroit Lions, in Washington. Also shown are Charlie Brown (87), Clarence Harmon (38) and Tom Turnure (55). The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. (AP Photo/File)
The Associated Press