Over the weekend, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown became an internet sensation after his touchdown celebration—an imitation of former President Donald Trump’s dance moves—went viral. The short but impactful clip captured a moment that resonated not just among sports fans but also attracted keen political interest.
Why This Moment Matters
The celebration didn’t just grab attention on social media; it also made waves during the game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, against the Washington Commanders. This was no ordinary NFL game, as Trump was in attendance to support the league’s “Salute to Service” initiative, which honors our military veterans. It’s worth noting that the crowd responded to Trump’s presence with boos.
Essential Details
On November 9, Trump’s presence at this regular-season match marked a historical milestone—it was the first time in nearly 50 years, since President Jimmy Carter, that a sitting president attended such a game. While watching from a box in the stadium, Trump witnessed St. Brown score, following it up with a playful jab at him by performing the “Trump dance,” which features a unique rocking of arms and legs, fan-favored at Trump’s campaign rallies.
This playful act enlisted the support of several Lions players, including Jameson Williams. The dance celebration was so engaging that it quickly caught fire on various social media channels, helped in large part by notable figures like Clay Travis who shared a video that gained over 3 million views on X platforms.
This game notably took place as part of the NFL’s commitment to honor veterans ahead of Veterans Day. Moreover, Trump’s visit was underscored by discussions about securing a new stadium for the Commanders.
Reactions from All Around
Trump remarked during a Fox News interview: “I just want to say, was that the greatest flyover ever? Nobody’s ever done a flyover like that,” referencing the military honors featured before the game.
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske shared his excitement, as reported by the Detroit Free Press, saying, “That’ll be cool. I didn’t know he was going to be there, but that’ll be super-cool to have the president watching. Just think, I can tell my kids I played in front of him; that’s pretty sweet!”
Mark Clouse, president of the Commanders club, welcomed Trump warmly, saying in an official statement: “We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we come together to recognize the commitment of those who serve our country. The Commanders are thrilled to take part in the NFL’s wider ‘Salute to Service’ initiative to honor those who have served and continue to serve our nation this Sunday.”
What’s Next for the Lions?
The Detroit Lions are set to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles next on Sunday, November 16, at Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania.
Update 11/10/25, 8:53 a.m. ET: Added details about Clay Travis’s video.
