NFL won’t fine Ezekiel Elliott for jumping in Salvation Army kettle

The globe loved it when Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott hopped in the Salvation Army kettle after scoring a touchdown Sunday night.

While it was a creative, fun new way to celebrate a touchdown, many probably understood it meant Elliott would receive a hefty fine from the league office this week, given how strict the NFL has been about celebrations.

Or not.

According to Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith, Elliott won’t be fined at all:

The NFL confirmed today that Elliott won’t be fined for the celebration, which drew a lot of attention on social media — including from the Salvation Army, which appreciated Elliott’s gesture.

Good on the NFL for not fining Elliott, though it seems a bit inconsistent. Players have been fined for almost anything and everything this year when it comes to celebrations, so letting this one go because it promotes a certain cause seems odd.

Again, this isn’t a bad thing per se. If anything, maybe it will encourage more players to celebrate in ways promoting great causes.

By the way, fans can watch the entire epic celebration in its entirety here. And in a classy move, Elliott announced he’ll make a donation to the Salvation Army.

Both parties tweeted about the matter:

Even though I will not be fined I still will be making a donation to the @SalvationArmyUS pic.twitter.com/AMJ1gSuse3

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) December 19, 2016

Thank you! Your #kettlehop was amazing. Thank you for helping us serve millions of people in need every year. God Bless You!

— Salvation Army USA (@SalvationArmyUS) December 19, 2016

‘Tis the season.