NFC Showdown Erupts as Seahawks’ Riq Woolen Sparks Controversy with Game-Changing Taunt Against Rams

Late in the third quarter at Lumen Field, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves on the brink of a game-changing moment — a missed interception that, despite slipping through their fingers, still positioned them to punish the Los Angeles Rams with a critical fourth down and an 11-point cushion. But then, drama unfolded in the form of Riq Woolen’s impulsive taunting penalty, a costly misstep that handed the Rams new life and set the stage for a lightning-fast 34-yard touchdown strike from Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua. That penalty didn’t just hand points to the opposition; it shifted momentum and tightened the scoreline to a nerve-wracking four points as the Seahawks headed into the fourth quarter. You can’t help but wonder — was it worth the risk, especially with a Super Bowl berth hanging in the balance? Woolen’s sideline celebrations, though spirited, ultimately proved too costly, leaving both fans and teammates frustrated in the high-stakes heat of the NFC championship clash. LEARN MORE

The Seattle Seahawks missed what would have been a huge interception late in the third quarter of the NFC championship game on Sunday night at Lumen Field. But the stop still set up a long fourth down that should have given them the ball back with an 11-point lead.

At least, that’s what it looked like until Riq Woolen got hit with an awfully-timed taunting penalty.

Woolen was seen jeering at the Los Angeles Rams’ sidelines after the play, clearly celebrating the pass breakup that occurred just moments before. While it’s unclear what he actually said, it was enough for officials to hit him with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting.

And, as it was a fourth-and-12, that gave the Rams a new set of downs.

Matthew Stafford took full advantage, too. He immediately found Puka Nacua for a 34-yard touchdown pass up the left side of the field on the very next play.

Just like that, Woolen’s taunting penalty ended up cutting the game back to just four points.

While the taunting penalty itself can be debated, especially since it’s not known what Woolen actually said on the field in the moment, Woolen shouldn’t have put himself in a situation to even be penalized — especially considering there is a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.

Clearly, some of Woolen’s teammates felt exactly that way on the sidelines themselves, too.

The Seahawks carried that 31-27 lead into the fourth quarter.

This post will be updated with more information shortly.