NFL fans have taken to social media to share their reactions to the league’s decision regarding the controversial Donald Trump-inspired dance celebration. The Donald Trump shuffle dance has become a popular go-to celebration for athletes across a wide range of sports, but it has been particularly prominent in the National Football League.
In recent weeks, players like 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa and Raiders tight end Brock Bowers have been seen breaking out the dance after big plays. The trend has spread beyond football as well, with UFC fighter Jon Jones performing the dance in the octagon, and U.S. men’s soccer star Christian Pulisic celebrating a goal with the same move.
Given the dance’s association with former President Donald Trump, its use as a celebration has sparked debate about whether politics should be kept out of sports celebrations. Many wondered if the NFL would step in to outlaw the dance in an attempt to avoid controversy.
However, according to a report from Front Office Sports, the NFL has decided not to ban the Trump-inspired celebration. NFL league spokesperson Brian McCarthy clarified the league’s position in a statement to FOS, indicating that players will not face penalties for using the dance as part of their celebrations.
“There’s no issue with a celebratory dance such as what took place yesterday or the previous week with the 49ers on November 10,” said McCarthy.
The NFL rulebook allows for a wide range of celebrations, as long as they are not deemed excessive or violent. The Trump shuffle dance does not fall into either category, meaning players can continue to use it without risking penalties.
NFL fans have been reacting to the league’s decision across social media, with opinions ranging from supportive to skeptical.
“Good. I don’t fw Trump at all but it’s a dance, it ain’t that deep,” wrote one fan, expressing relief that the celebration wouldn’t be banned despite their dislike for the former president.
“Good. Why would they even consider it?” added another fan, questioning why the league would even think about prohibiting the dance.
“Why would someone get fined over a dance?” another fan questioned, emphasizing the seemingly harmless nature of the celebration.
“Why would they? It’s just a dance lol,” echoed yet another fan, pointing out the lighthearted nature of the move.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan also weighed in on the celebration, revealing the origin of the dance among his players. “It was actually Leonard Floyd’s idea, and if you watch them, when Bosa got the sack, Leonard Floyd started doing it, and then Trump did it—I mean Bosa did it—then Sam O did it, and then Fred came in at the end and did it. Leonard egged them all on, and then they followed, and it was pretty cool to see,” Shanahan said.
It seems the NFL is in agreement with Shanahan’s sentiment—the Donald Trump celebration dance is not seen as problematic and is officially here to stay, at least for now. The dance has become a way for players to celebrate big moments, and it doesn’t violate any NFL rules regarding conduct or excessive celebrations.
For many, it’s just a fun way to enjoy the game, regardless of any political undertones.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if more players across the league adopt the dance and whether it continues to draw reactions from fans, both positive and negative.
But for now, it looks like the Donald Trump-inspired celebration will remain a fixture in NFL end zones—at least until the next big celebration trend comes along.
