Breaking down the TikTok trends behind NFL touchdown celebrations (with visuals)

Cate Schiller

Breaking down the TikTok trends behind NFL touchdown celebrations (with visuals) image

Joseph Maiorana

Ever wondered how your favorite NFL and college football players pick their on-field dance celebrations? There's a good chance it originated on TikTok.

From ball spiking to the Lambeau Leap, touchdown "cellys" have long been a part of the game, but modern-era players have taken the tradition to the next level. Now, the end zone serves as a stage for coordinated acts, dances and even pranks.

DOWNLOAD: From viral plays to dance trends – TikTok keeps the sports buzz alive.

From the For You page to the field — here's how TikTok trends have made their way into the world of football celebrations, both on the collegiate and professional level. 

Why players are turning to TikTok for touchdown celebrations

As one of the biggest social media apps on the market, users on TikTok are constantly uploading trending videos to songs, many of which gain traction or go "viral" on the platform. Using these references during a primetime football game gives players a chance to have their own viral moment, especially if broadcasting networks post the footage to their own TikTok accounts.

The most popular TikTok trends you'll see on the field

While trends are ever-changing, here are some TikTok-inspired celebrations you might see during a game this fall.

Wham in a Circle

This dance, originating from producer Metro Boomin's hit "Take Me Thru Dere", has been taking over both the NFL and NCAA. The simple dance might just be the celly of the season, with college and professional players hitting it every week.

@connermxs_ It’s so tuffff || girl throw that wham inna circle #dance #fyp #trending #popular #football ♬ original sound - Barbiee 💕- Content creator

"Clock it"

Popularized by Gen Z, "Clock it" is a slang phrase meant to show agreement or to call out something or someone. The term, along with the accompanying hand gesture, flooded TikTok during the summer of 2025, especially after it was used frequently by the cast of Love Island USA Season 7.

In Week 2, Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown hit the motion to the camera after scoring against the Bears.

@nfloncbs 🤏 #nfl #clockit #lions #amonrastbrown ♬ original sound - Ace♠️

Aura Farming

This trend is all about cultivating an image of effortless coolness. The term "Aura Farming" became increasingly popular following a video of a young boy performing a composed dance at the front of a canoe during an Indonesian boat race. 

The Buccaneers recreated the entire scene as a group effort in their Week 3 matchup against the Jets.

@nfloncbs AURA #nfl #celly #bucs ♬ original sound - Maxy Moopoo

Which stars are bringing TikTok to the end zone 

Many NFL and college football players have referenced TikToks in their touchdown celebrations, but some are more committed to the bit than others. 

The Detroit Lions have been garnering much attention for their cellys, with stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs often going viral. Jaxson Dart has also drawn eyes from TikTok since stepping into QB1 position with the Giants recently. 

@nfloncbs What an introduction 🔥 #nfl #jaxsondart #newyorkgiants #giants ♬ original sound - Ky

Other teams like the Minnesota Vikings have also made pop-culture references in their celebrations, with nods to High School Musical, White Chicks and Camp Rock. 

How fans can keep up on the trends

Football fans everywhere can stay keen on the trends inspiring league celebrations by downloading TikTok and curating their own For You Page.

Cate Schiller

Cate Schiller is a Global Content Coordinator for The Sporting News affiliate and commercial content team, focused on partnerships supporting live events, entertainment and travel. Originally from Northern California, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor's degree in journalism and sports communications. Prior to joining The Sporting News, Cate was the Life and Style editor at her college newspaper, and a sports reporter at her hometown newspaper. In her free time, she enjoys baking, getting outdoors and discovering new music.