NFL Fines Lions WR Kalif Raymond for Taunting After Punt Return TD vs. Browns

Detroit, MI – September 29, 2025

The Detroit Lions rolled past the Cleveland Browns 34-10 on Sunday, powered by defense, special teams, and one spectacular return. But postgame headlines have shifted to discipline after a league review of celebrations.

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond delivered the highlight of the afternoon, breaking loose for a 65-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. The play swung momentum and stretched Detroit’s lead to 21-10 at Ford Field.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭: Return punt for TD ✅
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮: Give ball to wife ✅

Kalif Raymond 🏠#CLEvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/ynPUaPdfRf

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 28, 2025

On Monday, the NFL announced Raymond has been fined

$10,000 for taunting. After scoring, he celebrated with a “swag” dance near the Browns’ sideline. While no flag was thrown, video review deemed the act excessive.

The league cited Rule 12, Section 3, which has tightened penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct since 2021. Raymond’s actions were judged to fall into that category, drawing both a retroactive taunting penalty and financial punishment.

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell defended his returner’s energy but admitted discipline must come first: “We love the fire, but we can’t hand opponents free yardage. That’s something we’ll talk about and clean up.”

Raymond, beloved in the locker room for his underdog journey, has carved out a critical role as both a returner and depth receiver. Teammates praised his playmaking even as the fine grabbed headlines.

Fans expressed mixed reactions online. Lions supporters lauded the return while others criticized the NFL for cracking down too hard on minor gestures that bring emotion and excitement into the game.

For the Lions, the incident won’t erase a dominant win. Still, the $10,000 fine serves as a reminder that every celebration is closely monitored under the league’s ever-stricter interpretation of taunting rules.