The latest touchdown craze sweeping across the National Football League isn’t a new end-zone jig or a choreographed team routine; it’s a move borrowed straight from the political arena: the “Trump dance.” While initially popularized at rallies by former President Donald Trump, this distinctive sway is now finding an unexpected second life on the gridiron, with players like Calvin Ridley and others adopting it to celebrate big plays.
What started as a subtle nod has quickly evolved into a visible trend. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa arguably sparked the NFL’s “Trump dance” wave with his rendition after a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the phenomenon truly amplified the following week, with multiple players across different teams showcasing their own versions of the presidential jig. Among them was Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who, alongside teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, broke into the dance during their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) celebrates with teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (15) after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ridley and Westbrook-Ikhine aren’t alone. Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers celebrated a touchdown with the move, and Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith joined the Trump dance party after a sack in a dominant win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. This widespread adoption across teams and player positions indicates the “Trump dance” is rapidly becoming a go-to celebration for impactful moments on the field.
The dance itself is a recognizable mimicry of Trump’s signature moves on the campaign trail. Characterized by a gentle hip sway and rhythmic arm swings, often to the tune of “Y.M.C.A.,” the dance is now instantly associated with the former president. Its migration from political rallies to NFL end zones raises questions about the motivations behind these players’ choices.
For some, like Nick Bosa, a known Trump supporter who even faced an NFL fine for wearing pro-Trump apparel, the dance could be interpreted as a clear endorsement. Bosa’s early adoption of the celebration likely contributed to its initial visibility within the league. However, for other players like Calvin Ridley, Brock Bowers, and Za’Darius Smith, the reasons might be more nuanced.
Is it purely political expression, or is it simply a case of mimicking a viral trend? The line between sports and politics has become increasingly blurred in recent years, and these celebrations are another example of that intersection. It’s worth recalling the previous tensions between the NFL and Donald Trump. During his first term, Trump was openly critical of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, a movement spearheaded by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
The irony isn’t lost on observers that a dance associated with Trump is now being embraced in the same league he once publicly criticized. Interestingly, the NFL itself appears to have no issue with the celebrations. League spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed that the “Trump dance” falls within acceptable celebration guidelines, as long as it doesn’t become excessive, prolonged, or unsportsmanlike.
NFL rules, while strict on certain conduct, have loosened regarding celebrations in recent years. Players are generally given leeway to express themselves after big plays, provided it doesn’t cross the line into taunting, offensive gestures, or game delays. The “Trump dance,” in its current form, seems to be toeing that line successfully.
Adding another layer to this unfolding story is Trump’s own reaction. While he hasn’t directly commented on the NFL players, he was visibly pleased when UFC champion Jon Jones performed the “Trump dance” after a recent victory. Trump, attending the UFC fight ringside, cheered and applauded Jones’s celebratory move, suggesting he is aware and appreciative of the dance’s spread beyond political rallies.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, right, cheers as Jon Jones celebrates his victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Brock Bowers even cited Jones’s UFC celebration as inspiration for his own Trump dance touchdown, indicating a possible cross-sport influence and further solidifying the dance’s growing popularity. Whether a fleeting trend or a lasting celebration staple, the “Trump dance” has undeniably injected a dose of political pop culture into the NFL season. As players like Calvin Ridley continue to showcase it, the move’s significance, whether playful, political, or purely performative, will continue to be a topic of discussion both on and off the field.
