Detroit Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has walked back his viral touchdown celebration that appeared to reference former President Donald Trump.
During Sunday’s matchup between the Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, St. Brown scored a 10-yard touchdown and broke into what many fans recognized as Trump’s signature dance moves. The Pro Bowl receiver even pointed toward the suite where Trump was sitting before performing the gesture — the first time a sitting president had attended a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Following the incident, the celebration drew mixed reactions online, with some viewers accusing St. Brown of making a political statement. However, during a new episode of “The St. Brown Podcast,” the Lions receiver clarified his intentions and issued an apology.
“First of all, if I offended anyone, I do apologize,” St. Brown said, according to ESPN. “That was never my intention. We were just having fun out there. If any president had been at that game and had a signature dance, I would’ve done it. It wasn’t about politics at all.”
The 25-year-old emphasized that the celebration was meant to be lighthearted and not an endorsement or criticism of any political figure.
Despite his explanation, the dance still stirred plenty of debate among fans and media. Some speculated that it may have contributed to tensions later in the game — including a heated exchange with a Commanders defender, who was later ejected. However, reports later indicated that St. Brown actually threw the first punch before the scuffle escalated.
Now, St. Brown hopes his apology helps clear the air. “It was just about having fun,” he said. “Nothing more, nothing less.”
