NFL players across the league have started incorporating President-elect Donald Trump’s signature dance move from his campaign rallies into their on-field celebrations. The trend, which has quickly gained momentum, was first popularized by Trump during his 2024 campaign and has now become a viral sensation, making its way into professional sports, including the NFL and even international soccer.
The Dance Goes Viral: Nick Bosa Leads the Way
The trend began to take off when San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa performed the dance after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Known for his open support of Trump, Bosa’s celebration quickly caught the attention of fans and commentators. The move involved a simple rhythmic shuffle, mimicking Trump’s lighthearted dance seen frequently at his rallies.
Bosa, who has been fined in the past for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat during interviews, received cheers from the crowd as he performed the dance on the field. “It was just for fun,” Bosa said in a post-game interview. “I saw the president doing it, and I thought it would be a good way to celebrate.” His lighthearted gesture has since sparked a wave of imitations across the NFL.
Nick Bosa hit the Donald Trump dance after a sack pic.twitter.com/OeLZj0WMXY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 10, 2024
Other Teams Join In: Raiders and Lions Get in on the Action
Following Bosa’s lead, several other NFL players have adopted the Trump-inspired dance as part of their celebrations. During a recent game against the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers celebrated a touchdown by performing the dance move, drawing cheers from fans. Bowers later revealed that he was inspired by UFC champion Jon Jones, who had also mimicked Trump’s dance following a victory earlier this year.
“The move just brings a lot of energy,” Bowers said. “It’s fun, and the fans love it.” The celebration has quickly become a fan favorite, with clips of the dance circulating widely on social media.
Raiders players hit the Trump dance ?
— Joey Salads (@JoeySalads) November 17, 2024
Detroit Lions players have also joined the trend, with several defensive players breaking into the dance after key plays. The Lions’ social media account even shared a video compilation of players performing the move, captioned, “The new victory dance of champions.”
Lions players celebrate a sack with the Trump dance. Pray for Mina Kimes, I hate for her to have to see this. pic.twitter.com/2mXljzgobK
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 17, 2024
A Movement Spreads Beyond Football
What began as a lighthearted celebration in the NFL has now spread beyond American football. The dance has been spotted in college football games, with several players mimicking the move after scoring touchdowns. It has also made its way into the soccer world, with international players in the English Premier League seen performing the dance after goals.
BREAKING: Tennessee Titans celebrate with the “Trump dance.” pic.twitter.com/pzf89GrhUE
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) November 17, 2024
Media Reactions and Censorship Allegations
The widespread adoption of Trump’s dance move by professional athletes has not been without controversy. Some sports networks have faced criticism for allegedly editing out footage of the celebrations from their broadcasts. CBS was accused of omitting clips of Brock Bowers’ dance from its highlight reel, sparking backlash from viewers who claimed the network was attempting to downplay the viral trend.
The apparent censorship has fueled debates about the intersection of politics and sports, with some arguing that the dance move should be seen as a harmless gesture of fun rather than a political statement. Fans and players alike have defended the celebrations, noting that sports have long been a platform for cultural expression.
Trump’s Reaction and the Cultural Impact
President-elect Trump himself has taken notice of the trend, reportedly expressing amusement at the dance’s growing popularity in the sports world. Trump has frequently used the move at his campaign rallies, where it became a staple part of his appearances, often accompanied by upbeat music. His lighthearted shuffle became a symbol of his energetic campaign style and resonated with his supporters.
In a recent rally, Trump joked about the dance’s viral success, saying, “I never thought I’d see NFL players doing my dance, but it’s great to see them having fun with it. It’s all about having a good time.”
The dance’s popularity highlights the broader cultural influence of political figures and how their gestures can transcend the political arena to become part of mainstream entertainment. Athletes adopting Trump’s move have sparked a wave of social media posts, with fans sharing videos and memes of the celebrations.
The Future of the Viral Dance
As the NFL season progresses, the Trump dance move shows no signs of fading. Players from various teams continue to embrace the trend, using it as a lighthearted way to celebrate big plays and connect with fans. The move’s simplicity and the enthusiasm with which it’s performed have contributed to its widespread appeal.
For now, it appears that Trump’s signature dance has become a fixture in professional sports, blending politics, entertainment, and athletic celebration in a unique way. Whether it remains popular beyond this season or fades as a passing trend, the dance has already made a memorable mark on the 2024 sports season, illustrating the unexpected ways political figures can shape popular culture.