Back in 1999, Terrell Davis used his touchdown dance to honor the military and their families. The subtext of this particular dance is, "This one's for you, 'Murrica." It was pretty awesome — but he definitely wasn't the first man to bust a sweet move on the field. The touchdown dance actually dates way back. In 1965, Homer Jones of the New York Giants spiked the football in celebration of his touchdown. In 1971, Elmo Wright of the Kansas City Chiefs did the first-ever end-zone dance. Then, in 1983, the Washington Redskins joined in a touchdown celebration high five, earning them the nickname of the Fun Bunch.
We officially had a trend on our hands. Sure, maybe it was slow to start. But, the touchdown dance picked up steam quickly in the '80s. These days, it's an art form that allows players to have a sort of signature. (You may not be able to see his face on the field, but you'll recognize Victor Cruz's salsa anywhere.) Ahead, a brief history of some of the most memorable turf dances of all time.
1988: The Ickey Shuffle
Courtesy of: Ickey Woods, Cincinnati BengalIckey
Woods first debuted his shuffle in the '80s, but it's withstood the test of time. Now, you can see him doing that same dance in Geico commercials. COLD CUTS!
1989: The Chicken Dance
Courtesy of: Merton Hanks, San Francisco 49ers
To the unfamiliar eye, it looks like Hanks is convulsing. But, the avid 49ers fan knows this set of moves as the Chicken Dance. It's not the most lyrical, but there's plenty of enthusiasm.
1993: The Lambeau Leap
Courtesy of: LeRoy Butler, Green Bay Packers
You'll see plenty of players doing this now. But, just know that the OG leap came from Butler.
1999: The Dirty Bird
Courtesy of: Jamal Anderson, Atlanta Falcons
Look, you can watch the original version here. But, trust us that the compilation of Anderson's many dirty birds — set to "Teach Me How To Dougie"— is better.
1999: The Mile High Salute
Courtesy of: Terell Davis, Denver Broncos
Davis used his touchdown dance to honor the military and their families. The subtext of this particular dance is, "This one's for you, 'Murrica." Into it.
2002: The Terrell Owens
Courtesy of: Terrell Owens, San Francisco 49ers
Depending on who you ask, the Terrell Owens dance could be a few things. Maybe it's the Sharpie signature. Maybe it's when he borrowed the pom poms from a cheerleader. Maybe it's when he spiked the ball on the Dallas Cowboys star. Above, a combination of some of his favorites.
2003: The Business Call
Courtes of: Joe Horn, New Orleans Saints
After Owens' Sharpie incident, the NFL instituted a rule against having items on your body. No matter for Horn. Totally worth the flag.
2003: The Beyoncé
Courtesy of: Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sapp pulled some vague inspiration from Bey's "Crazy in Love." He dubbed this dance all by himself.
2004: The Faux Moon
Courtesy of: Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
Unlike the full moon, a faux moon actually involves keeping your pants completely on. This is a more distasteful display of sportsmanship, but part of the history nonetheless.
2005: The Row Boat
Courtesy of: Steve Smith
Smith did a row boat move. Against the Vikings. Sick burn.
2005: The Tiger Woods
Courtesy of: Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals
Chad Ochocinco, formerly Chad Johnson, is another one of those players who liked to switch it up with his touchdown dances. His most memorable, though, is the Tiger Woods. (Available for your viewing pleasure at approximately 0:28 above.)
2006: The Squirrel
Courtesy of: Kelly Washington, Baltimore Ravens
Though Washington popularized this move as a Raven, he also brought it with him when he later became a Patriot.
2006: The Squirrel
Courtesy of: Kelly Washington, Baltimore Ravens
Though Washington popularized this move as a Raven, he also brought it with him when he later became a Patriot.
2008: The Snow Angel
Courtesy of: Wes Welker, New England Patriots
When it's snowing and you score a touchdown, this is the only natural reaction.
2012: The Superman
Courtesy of: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Not to be confused with the Soulja Boy hit, Newton's brief-but-effective nod to Clark Kent makes Panthers fans go crazy.
2012: The Salsa
Courtesy of: Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Cruz does this dance in honor of his grandmother, who taught him how to salsa. Though the move is now his trademark, he's promised a reinvented version for the 2014 season.
2013: The Group Gangnam
Courtesy of: Asa Jackson & Cyhl Quarles, Baltimore Ravens
Asa Jackson channels PSY, and winds up inspiring his teammates.
2013: The Double Backflip
Courtesy of: David Wilson, New York Giants
That's just impressive.
2014: Touchdown Dance Remix
Courtesy of: So many players...
We're not entirely sure if there are names for all of these moves. But we are certain that 2014 was an epic year for signature touchdown dances. Wiggle it. Just a little bit.
2015: The Dab
Courtesy of: Cam Newton, mostly
Cam Newton retired the Superman and decided to "dab on em" instead. Whether it was a traitor move or trading up, we can't decide. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if he swaps in a new one this year.
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