Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has expressed regret for any offense caused by his “Trump dance” celebration following a touchdown during a game on September 10, 2023, where former President Donald Trump was in attendance. St. Brown made his remarks on the “St. Brown Podcast,” which he co-hosts with his brother Equanimeous St. Brown.
In the podcast, St. Brown clarified his intentions, stating, “First of all, if I offended anyone, I do apologize. I did not mean to offend anyone. It was just, we’re having fun.” He emphasized that his celebration was not politically motivated, asserting, “If any president was at that game and had a dance, I would have done it. It had nothing to do with who the president was.”
The touchdown celebration, which took place after a 9-yard reception in the first quarter, quickly gained attention on social media. Clips of St. Brown’s performance went viral, with mixed reactions from fans. Some expressed their disapproval, while others found humor in the moment. Trump’s presence at the game marked a significant occasion, as he became the first sitting president since Jimmy Carter in 1978 to attend a regular-season NFL game.
The Lions won the match against the Washington Commanders with a score of 44-22 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Following the celebration, Trump shared a video of St. Brown’s dance on his platform, Truth Social, along with a caption that playfully referred to the receiver as “Amon-Ra St. Trump.”
St. Brown reiterated that his actions during the game were intended purely for enjoyment, stating, “We were just having fun, doing the dance. Nothing more, nothing less.” His clarifications aim to quell any controversy surrounding his celebration and refocus attention on the game itself.
As the NFL season progresses, players and fans alike will continue to navigate the intersection of sports and politics, especially when high-profile figures are present. St. Brown’s experience serves as a reminder of the potential impact of athlete expressions on wider audiences.
