Arizona Cardinals league-leading tight end Trey McBride has been docked some pay for making a violent gesture after a big catch Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL announced Saturday that McBride was fined $14,491 for performing the “nose wipe” gesture after a reception in the second quarter with 10:20 remaining, for which he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 16: Nick Zakelj #63 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Trey McBride #85 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
What Does the ‘Nose Wipe’ Gesture Mean?
The league has been cracking down on the gesture due to its association with the Bloods gang. The “nose wipe” and related slang were popularized in hip-hop, particularly by Atlanta rapper Young Thug, who frequently used the phrase “wipe your nose” and referred to friends as “slime.” During the high-profile YSL gang trial, prosecutors highlighted the gesture’s alleged meaning, which eventually drew the NFL competition committee’s attention and led to its ban. In March 2025, the league added the gesture to its official list of unsportsmanlike conduct acts, joining other prohibited actions such as throat slashes, simulated firing or brandishing a gun, and sexually suggestive acts.
On the field, McBride leads all NFL tight ends in receiving yards and is tied for the league lead in touchdowns at seven, alongside Cowboys’ Jake Ferguson and Eagles’ Dallas Goedert. The Cardinals (3–7) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (6–4) on Sunday.
Cardinals Head Coach’s Seat Getting Warmer
McBride has been a standout for the struggling Cardinals, whose passing game ranks in the top half of the NFL statistically. The defense, while not elite, also avoids being among the league’s worst. After quarterback Kyler Murray was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury, veteran Jacoby Brissett has stepped in admirably, even emerging as a potential fantasy sleeper.
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Head coach Jonathan Gannon frequently appears in reader polls and media speculation as a coach on the hot seat. The third-year coach owns a 15–29 career record, and with the team failing to make visible progress after an 8–9 finish last season, a change in direction seems plausible. One factor in Gannon’s favor: five of the Cardinals’ losses this season have come by a combined 13 points.
On his job security, Gannon offered a straightforward assessment: “Not controllable for me. I didn’t hire myself. I’m not going to fire myself.”
Many believe owner Michael Bidwill is likely to stick with Gannon, who is on a five-year contract, since moving on would require paying out not only Gannon but also former general manager Steve Keim and former coach Kliff Kingsbury. Additionally, Murray’s future as the team’s quarterback remains uncertain, and Bidwill could explore a trade while keeping Gannon in place.
Across the NFL, two head coaches have already been dismissed this season—Brian Daboll by the Giants and Brian Callahan by the Titans. In most “next coach to be fired” odds, Gannon ranks just behind the Falcons’ Raheem Morris and the Raiders’ Pete Carroll.
NFL Announces Punishment for Gang Affiliated Gesture by Cardinals Star