The joke used to be that NFL stood for No Fun League as the crusty old deans at the head office seemed to get a kick out of p*ssing on the parade whenever anyone did anything remotely out of the ordinary – including a ban on team celebrations.
We haven’t seen a bigger bunch of crotchety cranks since we last checked in on the BeIn Sports studio.
They relaxed the rules last season and now we get the delightful sight of 250lb linemen strutting their stuff as part of some Busby Berkeley-like set-pieces whenever one of their guys gets in the endzone. We’ve plucked some of the premier post-play productions and piled them together for your enjoyment.
6 – Fells is down with the kids
Old man Daniel Fells is running with the kids of Cleveland’s draft class, and just to show he knows what’s what, he chose to celebrate his touchdown against the Raiders – the first thrown by rookie QB Baker Mayfield – with a Dragon Ball Z-inspired Fusion Dance (don’t ask me).
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5 – Moncrief gets grief for guitar twanging
Jags receiver Moncrief strums a few chords before his teammate takes a dislike to his tune and delivers a knockout blow.
He can’t have been that bad surely?
Sep 23, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris (84) celebrates with running back Kareem Hunt (27) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
4 – Harris shoots some hoops
A lot of NFL receivers convert from basketball, and Demetrius Harris showed his courtside form with his fluent jump shot after tacking on six points against the 49ers.
Of course, he couldn’t have done it without his teammate providing the hoop, though we’d like to see two guys with one standing on the others shoulders to bring a bit more realism to the effort.
3 – Jackson leads Bears chorus
We’re not wanting to get ahead of things despite every second ad you see, but the season of goodwill is almost upon us, and Eddie Jackson showed in week 11 that the Chicago Bears will be ready to belt out some Christmas carols when the time comes. After returning a Kirk Cousins interception for a touchdown, the DB plays conductor while the rest of the defence follows his lead.
2 – Hill focuses on teammates
The KC speedster is used to appearing on camera thanks to his highlight reel plays, but he turned the tables last week when he jumped into the cameraman’s spot after scoring, and then directed it towards his teammates.
https://twitter.com/jtylerconway/status/1061697255122616320
There was some talk he may be sanctioned for it, but his tribute to all-round celebration legend Chad Ochocinco looks to have gone unpunished. Maybe he can work livestream from his phone next time.
Nov 4, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaron Brown (18) and wide receiver David Moore (83) celebrate after Brown caught a pass for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
1 – Seahawks in-sync
The best of the year so far, Seattle are setting high standards for themselves but the receivers delivered in week 9 with a routine that would give them a shot on Britain’s Got Talent if they develop it a bit more.
It’s four yeses from us.
Honourable mention – Crowell cleans up in Cleveland
Speaks for itself, though unfortunately this solo-effort lacks the team component we’re looking for. The former Brown let his old fans know exactly what he thought of the team when he ran in for a score for the Jets in week 3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grS62P-yaj0
Maybe next time they could bring a few extra balls so they’re not caught short? Just a thought.
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