Wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown pulled off the now-widely publicized “Trump dance” during his team’s recent game — what many are calling the “Amon Ra St. Brown Trump dance.” He pulled off the move in the first quarter of the Detroit Lions’ dominant 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, all while Donald Trump was in attendance.
In the days since, St. Brown has apologized to anyone he may have offended but stood by his intention, insisting the move was meant in good fun — not political posturing.
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What happened: the dance, the moment, the reaction
- On Nov. 9, 2025, during the Lions vs. Commanders game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, St. Brown caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff in the first quarter that made the score 14-3.
- Immediately after the score, St. Brown pointed toward the stands — where Trump was seated — and broke out the dance move associated with Trump: arm swings, hip wiggles, fists at his sides.
- The move went viral. Clips circulated widely across social media, including a repost by Trump himself on his social platform, where he dubbed St. Brown “Amon Ra St Trump.”
- The presence of Trump at the game added fuel to the moment: it marked the first time a sitting U.S. president attended a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978.
St. Brown’s statement and apology
Following widespread reaction, St. Brown appeared on his podcast (he co-hosts with brother Equanimeous) and addressed the uproar. Key takeaways:
- He said: “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 clarified that the dance “had nothing to do with who the president was,” noting that if any president had been at the game and had a “dance,” he would have performed it.
- Nonetheless, he said he still stands by the moment and insisted his action was light-hearted and not politically motivated.
Why it matters: sports, politics & culture intersect
The “Amon Ra St. Brown Trump dance” has deeper layers beyond a touchdown celebration. Here’s why it’s drawing attention:
- Sports meets politics: Trump’s attendance at the NFL game already elevated the event’s symbolic value. His presence triggered chatter about the relationship between the league, its players, and political figures.
- Player expression vs. political inference: Celebrations in the NFL often carry cultural meaning. When St. Brown chose a dance linked to a high-profile political figure, many interpreted the moment as a statement — even if St. Brown says otherwise.
- Social media virality: In today’s sporting climate, gestures amplify quickly. The dance’s spread on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms underscores how moments on the field become cultural moments off the field.
- Reception and backlash: Although many fans reacted positively — entertained by the showmanship — some criticized the move as ill-timed or politically charged given the stadium’s location (Washington, D.C. area) and the broader national climate.
Timeline of key events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 9, 2025 | St. Brown catches 9-yd TD, points to stands, performs “Trump dance” in front of Trump. |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Game ends: Lions beat Commanders 44-22. Trump becomes first sitting president at regular-season NFL game since 1978. |
| Nov 12, 2025 | St. Brown issues apology for any offense, and remarks publicly about his motive on the podcast. |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Reaction spreads across sports and entertainment media; discussion intensifies about political nature of the celebration. |
What this means for St. Brown and the Lions moving forward
For St. Brown:
- He showcased composure before the cameras — shifting quickly from celebration to clarification — even in the face of social media firestorm.
- The moment may raise questions about how he balances personal expression, fan appeal, and potential polarizing interpretations in future high-visibility games.
For the Lions:
- The celebration adds to the team’s narrative not only of success on the field (they’re 2025 playoff contenders) but also cultural relevance off the field.
- It offers both a boost in attention and a risk — any gesture with political resonance can rouse controversy and distractions.
For the NFL:
- Moments like the “Amon Ra St. Brown Trump dance” reflect how the league has become a platform where sports, identity, and politics meet.
- The league’s handling of such moments sets precedent for how celebrations with political overtones might be managed. League leadership has in the past sought to limit overt political messaging in on-field celebrations, yet here is an example that is in the gray zone.
Public response: mixed and swift
- Fans applauded St. Brown’s energy and showmanship, particularly those pleased to see a marquee celebration on a big stage.
- Other voices raised concerns about the political overtones, especially given the location of the game and Trump’s divisive public persona.
- Online, the clip spread rapidly. News outlets noted the dance’s “viral” status and discussed its broader significance.
Final take
The moment — that is, the “Amon Ra St. Brown Trump dance” — operates at several layers: a touchdown celebration, a pop-culture reference, a nod (intended to be light) to a polarizing political figure, and a media moment in the making. St. Brown acted fast in issuing a measured apology while also explaining his intent. The maxim “you can’t unring the bell” may apply here: the moment is public and the reactions will echo.
For fans and analysts alike, the moment will echo: Did it bring more fun? More risk? More conversation? Probably all of the above.
We’ll keep watching how St. Brown handles the spotlight going forward — and whether the Lions turn this moment into momentum on and off the field.
Let us know what you think in the comments — was the celebration harmless fun or a loaded symbol? Stay tuned for the next chapter.