NFL Allows Players to Celebrate With Viral Trump Dance

The NFL has officially weighed in on the viral "Trump dance" that has taken the league by storm, confirming that players are free to celebrate with the moves that have become a symbol of support for President-elect Donald Trump.

Brian McCarthy, the NFL’s Chief Spokesperson, made it clear that the league sees no problem with players using the celebratory dance during games. “There’s no issue with celebratory dances such as what took place Sunday or the previous week with the 49ers on November 10,” McCarthy said in an email to OutKick.

Inspired by Trump’s signature moves during his campaign rallies often performed to the Village People’s "Y.M.C.A." the dance became a sensation on social media after supporters mimicked his choreography. NFL players have since brought the trend to the field, using the moves to celebrate touchdowns and defensive plays.

• Las Vegas Raiders: Tight end Brock Bowers did the Trump dance after catching a 23-yard touchdown pass during Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

• Detroit Lions: Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez broke out the moves after a key defensive stop against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

• Tennessee Titans: Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine celebrated pre-touchdown with their take on the Trump dance against the Minnesota Vikings.

• San Francisco 49ers: Star Nick Bosa first popularized the on-field Trump dance a week earlier, following a sack of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player.

While the celebratory dance has delighted fans and gone viral online, it has also sparked speculation about how the league might react to such a high-profile show of support for a political figure. However, the NFL’s statement indicates no intention to penalize players for expressing themselves.

Football legend Brett Favre weighed in, expressing hope that the league would continue to allow the dance. “I find it hard to believe that the NFL would crack down on this ‘Trump’ dance,” Favre told Fox News. “I really do. I would hope that they wouldn’t.”

Not everyone seems ready to embrace the trend. After the Raiders’ Bowers performed the dance, viewers noticed its conspicuous absence from the NFL’s official social media highlights. A post on X from "NFL on CBS" omitted the celebratory moves, cutting instead to a shot of Raiders owner Mark Davis in his suite.

As the NFL season continues, the Trump dance shows no signs of slowing down. Players and fans alike are embracing the trend, using it as a lighthearted way to celebrate victories on and off the field. Whether it’s touchdowns, sacks, or game-changing plays, expect the Trump dance to remain a staple of the NFL’s highlight reel.

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