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The Dallas Cowboys got off to a rough start in the 2026 NFL season, losing to the New York Giants 28-20 in Week 1.
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Giants QB Jaxson Dart finished with 230 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-29 passing. He outperformed Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who completed 22 of his 34 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, albeit with one interception.
One of the major turning points of the game, however, came in the fourth quarter during Javonte Williams’ touchdown run. The Cowboys RB scored and made it a 28-20 game, but what he did during his run was costly as well.
Just before Williams reached the end zone, he taunted Giants safety Tyler Nubin by holding out the ball toward him. He was given a taunting penalty as a result, which led to the ensuing extra-point attempt being pushed back by 15 yards.
Kicker Brandon Aubrey failed to make the 48-yard try, and the Cowboys were unable to score again after that.
Due to his actions, the NFL also punished Williams, with the Cowboys veteran revealing the league’s decision himself, per Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports. According to the NFL’s rules, a taunting penalty results in an $11,941 fine for the first offense.
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#Cowboys RB Javonte Williams scored a TD but was flagged 15 yards for taunting after sticking the ball out toward a defender.
The end result? Dallas missed the longer extra point, and it remains an 8-point game.pic.twitter.com/BdKaMjN7Jihttps://t.co/Nwa8rtJxh3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2026
For what it’s worth, Williams acknowledged his mistake as well and revealed that he has apologized to his teammates for what happened.
“You don’t have to worry about it no more. I’m done. It was my fault. I’m better than that,” Williams stated.
It’s still early in the season, so Williams will certainly need to be more mindful of his on-field antics if he wants to avoid putting the Cowboys in trouble. Not to mention, he is also due to pay a higher fine for repeated violations.
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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 8:50 PM.