So the Texans’ rookie Jaylin Noel did the Ray Lewis dance in the end zone after his first career touchdown against the Ravens. And the internet, as it does, promptly split into two warring camps.
Let’s break this down.
On one side: "Let the kids play!" Football is entertainment. A rookie scores his first-ever NFL touchdown in a huge game—let him have his moment. The Ray Lewis dance is iconic; doing it is a tribute, a nod to the history of the game. It’s not personal, it’s just swagger.
On the other side: "Show some respect!" It’s seen as a direct taunt, a deliberate act of disrespect toward the Ravens and the legacy of one of their greatest players. In the middle of a blowout, it can feel like rubbing salt in the wound—a new low, as some headlines screamed.
Here’s my take: Context is king.
Celebration is one thing. Calculated trolling is another. Doing a signature dance of your opponent's franchise legend, *against* that very team, isn’t an accident. It’s a message. And in the hyper-competitive, emotionally charged world of the NFL, that message is received loud and clear.
Is it disrespectful? To the Ravens, absolutely. It’s designed to be. But is it a crime? Hardly. It’s gamesmanship. It’s fuel. It’s the kind of spice that creates rivalries and gives fans something to talk about all week.
The Ravens weren’t angry because a dance hurt their feelings. They were angry because they were getting beaten, and the dance was the exclamation point on their frustration. In the end, the best response isn't outrage—it's winning. If the Ravens get a rematch, you can bet this moment will be on their minds.
So, disrespectful? Maybe. But it’s also the nature of the beast. This is pro sports. If you don’t like being danced on, don’t let them in the end zone.
