Several NFL players seemed to channel former President Donald Trump on Sunday by incorporating his recognizable dance moves into their touchdown celebrations. This comes as Trump’s dances have become a staple at his political rallies, most notably during the 2024 Republican National Convention where a video compilation of him dancing to “Y.M.C.A.” was prominently featured.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers sparked attention when he appeared to perform the Trump dance after scoring against the Miami Dolphins. In a postgame media interaction, Bowers confirmed the inspiration behind his celebration.
“Asked Brock Bowers about his Trump TD celly,” reported Safid Deen of USA Today on X. “[He replied] ’I’ve seen everyone do it. I watched the UFC fight last night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC so I saw it, and thought it was cool.’”
According to Deen, “Raiders PR ended his postgame availability after my question,” and at the time of reporting, Bowers’s media availability was not available on the team’s official website.
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley also made headlines by seemingly referencing Trump’s moves on the field. The Trump campaign amplified these moments by sharing clips of the celebrations on X, captioning them “TOTAL. MAGA. TAKEOVER.”
These displays of apparent support follow an earlier incident where San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa disrupted a live NBC broadcast before the presidential election while sporting a “Make America Great Again” hat. In a postgame interview, Bosa addressed the situation, stating his support for Trump was timed to coincide with the crucial period less than two weeks before Election Day.
“I’m not going to talk too much about it, but I think it’s an important time,” Bosa commented.
The NFL subsequently fined Bosa $11,255 for violating uniform and equipment rules due to the personal message. Bosa acknowledged he anticipated the fine, but considered “it was well worth it.”
Interestingly, these events unfold after the 2024 election seemingly defied a long-standing NFL superstition. This superstition suggests that if the Washington Commanders win at home prior to an election, the incumbent party retains the White House. Despite the Commanders’ victory over the Chicago Bears in a close game earlier in the month, the Democratic party did not secure a consecutive term.
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