TOP NFL SACK DANCES
Mastering the dance may be as difficult as mastering the sack itself. But since 1982, when NFL first credited defenders for the quarterback sack, there have been some memorable celebrations. Here are five of the best sack dances in recent memory, in no particular order, with the top Broncos sack dances to follow.
Aldon Smith: ““
The best dances are the ones you’d least expect. Which is why Smith’s non-dance sack dance – he stands up, sprints to the bench, pulls off his helmet and takes a seat – may be one of the greatest, and most creative, in history.
Jared Odrick: ““
Odrick’s sack dance was good enough to garner him praise from its originator. “I like your style, Odrick! Smooth moves!” Pee-wee Herman tweeted to the then-Dolphins’ defensive tackle after seeing him mimic in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”
A member of the Jets’ “New York Sack Exchange” defensive line and the 1983 and ’84 league leader in sacks, Gastineau celebrated his takedowns in a way no other good. Or would. His convulsive moves had no rhythm or method. Just madness — and obvious taunting. His dances were partly to blame for the NFL’s ban of “prolonged, excessive, or premeditated” celebrations.
Von Miller: ““
From the man who will don fur hats, cowboy boots and “tree-hugger” eye-glasses, a mashup or two dances should only be expected from Miller. His Richard Nixon peace signs combined with the “Funky Chicken” after his first sack of 2012 is unexplainably magnificent.
J.J. Watt: ““
Watt, the Texans’ sack master, has perfected the art of taking down quarterbacks. He’s also come up with some creative moves afterward, including one during the 2014 Pro Bowl in which he pretended to go surfing.
TOP BRONCOS SACK DANCES
“Broncos” meaning mostly Von Miller. The outside linebacker has provided so many gems in his four-plus seasons with Denver that it’s only right he dominates this list. (Note: His “Funky Chicken” dance, while deserving of a top-five appearance, was left off for the sake of variety.)
Von Miller:
As uncouth as it may be to rank his explicit “three pumps,” which he’s performed multiple times this season, among the finest Broncos sack dances in history, well, it has earned its place. How many others are valued at $11,567?
DeMarcus Ware:
Credit Ware for consistency. His signature first-pounding that he adopted from former Cowboys safety Keith Davis has been a regular sight this season, as he leads the league with 4.5 sacks through four games.
Von Miller:
Carolina’s Cam Newton served this one to Miller on a silver platter. After taking down Newton in a 2012 game, Miller mocked the Newton’s Superman celebration by pretending to rip his jersey and fly away.
Von Miller:
Few, if any, realized what they were seeing when he unveiled his “Forrest Gump breaking through this leg braces” dance last season against the Chargers and Raiders. But that in itself is why this dance deserves recognition. Five seconds of bizarre moves, again, got people talking.
Von Miller:
Miller had his way with quarterback Brandon Weeden in the third quarter of a game against the Browns in 2012. His second of two sacks knocked Weeden out of the game, but not before Miller could enjoy his exploits, twisting his body like a spiral, oblivious to the players around him.
