Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London's touchdown in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles was nearly derailed by his own celebration.
After scoring a touchdown to tie the score up in Philly, London decided to unleash a gun celebration near the right side of the field. He was ultimately penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, which pushed Atlanta's extra point attempt back by 15 yards. Luckily for the former first-round pick, Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo made the kick to give them the lead.
Following the Falcons' win over the Eagles, head coach Raheem Morris was asked about London's controversial celebration.
Believe it or not, Morris actually defended London's antics. He believes the USC product was pretending to shoot t-shirts into the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
"Drake is a great kid," Morris said. "His intent was not as a use of a weapon. He probably was shooting t-shirts into the stands, to be honest with you, because he’s just that kind of a guy."
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Some fans are shocked that Morris would defend London's unsportsmanlike penalty, especially since it could've been costly.
At the end of the day though, all that matters is that London avoids a mistake like this in the future. And if he's going to actually do a t-shirt launcher celebration, he has to make it a bit more clear.
London finished Week 2 with six receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. It was a bounce-back performance for him considering he had just 15 receiving yards in Atlanta's season opener.
