Brandin Cooks, Josh Norman hope NFL now allows their bow and arrow celebrations

The NFL’s relaxed rules on celebrations have been exalted by players who are already planning what to do with their new freedoms. But many celebrations are still banned, and mimicry of a weapon is among the acts that will draw a 15-yard penalty.

That means it will likely still be illegal to pretend to shoot a bow and arrow — a celebration that Brandin Cooks had to change in 2016 and cost Josh Norman a $10,000 fine.

“Hopefully, I can shoot my arrow, and they still say we can’t,” Norman told The Washington Post about the relaxed rules. “Who the [expletive] knows. I don’t see how a fake bow and arrow is a weapon. But, hey, I don’t make the rules.”

Norman, who has always been one to speak his mind and question authority, may be ready to shoot a fake arrow even if it is illegal:

But Cooks is taking a more reserved approach. While the New England Patriots wide receiver has said in the past that the celebration is inspired by a passage in the Bible about a boy named Ishmael who used archery to survive in the desert, Cooks also isn’t going to push his limits.

“It’s for God, so if that’s threatening, then I think we’ve got a problem, but I’m going to be respectful,” Cooks told WEEI 93.7 FM. “If it’s a penalty, it’s a penalty. I’m not going to do anything to hurt the team.”

After learning the celebration was illegal in 2016, Cooks adjusted the act to avoid punishment:

While the NFL is making an effort to allow for more fun, Cooks is likely going to have to stick with his dialed back approach in 2017. Norman will probably have to do the same if he hopes to avoid a penalty or fine.