For years, the NFL felt more like a soapbox for progressive politics than a football league. Fans tuned in to see their favorite teams but were instead bombarded with political grandstanding—kneeling during the anthem, end zones awash in rainbows, and slogans that seemed designed to alienate the everyday patriot.
The result? Empty stadiums, plummeting ratings, and a once-unifying game fractured by divisive messaging. Die-hard fans felt like their loyalty had been traded for woke brownie points. But things are changing.
Enter President-elect Donald Trump. With his commanding victory, a shift is sweeping across the country—and it’s making its way onto the gridiron. The NFL, once at odds with middle America, seems to be taking cues from a man who unapologetically embraces patriotism.
This past Sunday, Trump’s signature dance moves—yes, the same ones he famously showcases at rallies—became the talk of the NFL. Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers broke out the now-iconic shuffle after a 23-yard touchdown against the Dolphins. Sure, the Raiders lost, but that didn’t stop Bowers from having fun and sending a message: it’s okay to celebrate again. “I saw Jon Jones do it. It’s cool,” Bowers said, shrugging off any potential backlash.
Bowers isn’t the only one bringing a little Trump flair to the league. Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley and his teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine celebrated a touchdown with the same move, and Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith joined in after a crushing sack. Players are embracing the energy, and fans are loving it.
Trump’s influence in sports didn’t start with football. UFC fighter Jon Jones performed the dance after a monumental victory, pointing to Trump, who was sitting ringside. It was a moment that signaled something bigger than sports—an acknowledgment that Trump’s presence is felt everywhere, even in arenas where politics and play have long collided.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about this shift. The NFL’s unease is palpable. Postgame clips from the Raiders conveniently “forgot” to include Bowers’ comments, while last week, the league slapped 49ers star Nick Bosa with an $11,000 fine for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. Officially, the fine was for violating uniform policies, but the subtext was clear: step out of line, and you’ll pay the price.
Bosa didn’t back down. When he sacked the quarterback during Sunday’s game, he celebrated with—what else?—the Trump dance. Fans roared their approval, and his teammates couldn’t help but join in. The league can issue fines, but they can’t stop a movement.
The NFL is at a crossroads. For years, it ignored or even vilified the fans who made it the powerhouse it is today. But now, with a renewed sense of patriotism surging through stadiums, it has a chance to reconnect with its roots.
Players like Bowers and Bosa are proving that football can still be fun, unifying, and unapologetically American. The league can try to stifle this momentum, but they’d only be fighting a losing battle. The fans have spoken, and they’re not just cheering—they’re dancing.
