Shawn Fleetwood of the Federalist writes that Donald Trump is influencing “football culture.”
A new phenomenon is taking hold of the football world — and no, I’m not referring to the increase in squirrels finding their way onto the field during Ole Miss games.
Throughout the past few weeks, players at the collegiate and professional levels have been breaking out some familiar dance moves after making big plays. To the casual observer, the celebrations seem like the typical over-the-top theatrics displayed on the field after a major performance. For those who’ve watched Donald Trump bust a move to “YMCA,” however, the inspiration for the dance is pretty clear.
During Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and several of his teammates playfully mimicked the soon-to-be 47th president’s classic moves to celebrate a major play against Tampa Bay’s offense. And they’re not the only ones doing so.
At the collegiate level, Drake Bulldogs wide receiver Trey Radocha boogied to Trump’s beat after scoring a touchdown during the school’s Saturday game against the University of St. Thomas. Radocha later thanked the president-elect for the “dance move” on X.
Northern Illinois Huskies tight end Tristen Tewes also displayed the president’s famous dance after scoring a touchdown during a recent game.
But imitating Trump’s dancing is only a small part of the cultural shift happening in football. Unlike years prior, players are no longer afraid to show their support for the incoming president.
Following the 49ers’ Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Bosa photobombed his teammates during a post-game NBC interview, pointing to the white and gold MAGA hat on his head before running off camera. The NFL has since fined Bosa for purportedly violating league policy, a punishment the defensive end previously told reporters would be “well worth it.”
