NFL fans fumed at officials who flagged Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams for celebrating a huge gain against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

With Tom Brady on the call after the seven-time Super Bowl champion once again got caught swearing live on the FOX broadcast, the Lions hosted the unbeaten Vikings in a blockbuster NFC North showdown. Minnesota is the sole undefeated NFL team standing, while Detroit has enjoyed an electric offensive start to the season.

The offense flexed its muscles ever so slightly in the first quarter of the game against the Vikings. Jared Goff launched a deep pass toward Williams, who hauled in the pass before he was tackled by cornerback Byron Murphy.

The play went for a 46-yard gain, and Williams was pumped up. He got up and spun the ball in the turf, seemingly in the face of Murphy, prompting officials to throw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct flag.

The penalty pushed the Lions back 15 yards and stalled a promising first-quarter drive. It was Detroit's second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of the half, following an earlier flag on Amon-Ra St. Brown, but fans were disappointed.

“What's crazy is he spins the ball every freaking catch. And never been a flag,” one fan pointed out. Another wrote: “I'm not one for showboating and excessive celebrations and even I think that call is softer than Charmin by the refs. Ticky tack AF.”

“Make up calls,” a user lamented.

One fan posted a full rant at the NFL over such calls, posting: “NFL football is a tough game to watch. There’s more flags than there are plays! Every tiny thing is a flag. Can’t celebrate! Hurt someone’s feelings. Looked at QB wrong! Roughing the passer! The league’s become a joke. Make it flag football and get it over with!”

Another fan turned the focus to the other side of the ball: “Yet cornerbacks can do their dumb celebrations every time there's an incomplete pass.”

The NFL rulebook describes taunting as “using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams.” Williams has a history of receiving taunting flags; in 2024, he was called for taunting Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson.

The Lions secured a 19-15 win over the Vikings. Jahmyr Gibbs scored Detroit’s sole touchdown on an impressive 30-yard dart, matching Justin Jefferson’s incredible touchdown grab in the second quarter. Williams scored late in the fourth quarter to clinch a huge victory.

However, the atmosphere in the NFC North battle flipped after Lions linebacker Jack Campbell appeared to suffer a horrific neck injury. He attempted to tackle Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, leading with the crown of his helmet before falling to the turf. Campbell was carted off after reportedly showing no movement.