The National Football League (NFL) has clarified its stance on celebratory dances, confirming it has “no issue” with players performing the “Trump Dance” to mark touchdowns or game victories.
The dance, popularized by President-elect Donald Trump during his political career and recent campaign, has become a cultural phenomenon, even finding its way onto the field.
NFL Chief Spokesperson Brian McCarthy addressed the topic in an email, stating: “There’s no issue with celebratory dances such as what took place Sunday or the previous week with the 49ers on November 10,” according to OutKick.com.
This statement follows a wave of attention after San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was fined $11,255 earlier this season for wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) cap, citing an alleged violation of NFL rules regarding unauthorized personal messaging.
The NFL went from kneeling during the national anthem to dancing the Trump YMCA dance.
— MAGA Resource (@MAGAResource) November 18, 2024
That is what you call Making America Great Again! #MAGA ❤️🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/yDFOST6BuH
The controversy resurfaced when Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers performed the Trump Dance during Sunday’s game, emphasizing the celebratory moment of a touchdown.
While the league has no objections to the Trump Dance itself, the NFL maintains firm guidelines about player celebrations. Celebrations must not be “excessive” or suggest violence, including mimicking the use of weapons or engaging in actions that could be interpreted as aggressive.
This stance aims to balance player expression with maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere during games. The NFL has historically enforced these rules with fines for violations, as seen in Bosa’s MAGA hat incident.
Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, argued that Trump’s election victory and the growing adoption of the Trump Dance by players signal a cultural shift in professional sports.
According to Travis, the era of “wokeism” in sports—marked by kneeling during the national anthem and intense focus on identity politics—is coming to an end.
However, the NFL has been cautious not to align itself with political statements. An unnamed league source told OutKick that the NFL’s decision on the Trump Dance is less about politics and more about adhering to its rules consistently and impartially. “The league just doesn’t want to be seen as pushing politics but as sober about its rules,” the source explained.
As the Trump Dance gains popularity among players and fans alike, it serves as a reminder of the role sports play in reflecting broader cultural trends.
Whether seen as a lighthearted celebration or a nod to shifting political winds, the NFL’s acceptance of the dance underscores the league’s commitment to allowing player expression—within the bounds of its rules.