Image via Complex Original
One of the most entertaining aspects of football is the celebrations. Now when you take the excitement of scoring or having a great defensive play and combine it with the excitement of collegiate athletes you end up with some supremely badass, jackass, or downright disrespectful celebrations.
Who better to decide what celebrations fall into which categories than the man responsible for one of the most iconic football celebrations of all time—Desmond Howard. His Heisman pose in '91 remains one of the greatest celebrations in sports history. Howard was kind enough to give his thoughts on a few new and a couple old school college football celebrations.
Interview by Richard Boadu of 6Magazine (@6magazine)
RELATED: The 25 Most Disrespectful Sports Celebrations of All Time
Celebrations From the U's Golden Era
Celebration By: Miami Hurricanes
Date: Late '80s/Early '90s
Games: Various
This is the circus of football celebrations. I love it! It’s indicative of everything from their style of play, to the way they acted off the field, and just how much fun they had while they played. People may not have liked it, but hey, if you don’t like their celebrations, then stop them from scoring. I’m a big fan of their celebrations.
Mario Manningham Does The Worm
Celebration By: Mario Manningham, Michigan Wolverines
Date: 9/22/2007
Game: Penn State vs. Michigan
[Laughs.] It was hilarious. The worm is always a crowd favorite and classic celebration. The fact he did it during the victory formation was pretty funny.
The Bulldogs Storm the Endzone
Celebration By: Georgia Bulldogs
Date: 10/27/2007
Game: Florida vs. Georgia
I love it. I was celebrating as if I was a Georgia alum when I saw it on TV. It was a great way to get a psychological edge for the players, coaches, and really get the crowd fired up.
Patrick Peterson Does The Heisman Pose
Celebration By: Patrick Peterson, LSU Tigers
Date: 9/25/2010
Game: West Virginia vs. LSU
It was a wasted move. I like Patrick Peterson, he’s a great guy and player, but it was just bad timing. It was early in the season, they weren’t playing a reputable opponent at the time. They had bigger fish to fry in the SEC later on in the season. It was just wasted, he could have done it at practice.
Kenny Stills' Spike
Celebration By: Kenny Stills, Oklahoma Sooners
Date: 11/13/2010
Game: Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma
I’ve seen it before. I liked his enthusiasm. I’m always worried about spiking the ball like that because the ball might bounce the wrong way and hit you where you don’t want to be hit. It’s definitely not my first choice when a celebration comes to mind.
Tyler Bray's Executioner Move
Celebration By: Tyler Bray, Tennessee Volunteers
Date: 12/30/2010
Game: North Carolina vs. Tennessee (Music City Bowl)
I’m not a fan of this at all. It has such violent connotations. The only thing that’s even close to being acceptable as far as the neck is concerned is Reggie Miller’s choke sign, but that’s even questionable.
Adrian Hilburn's Salute
Celebration By: Adrian Hilburn, Kansas State Wildcats
Date: 12/30/2010
Game: Kansas State. vs. Syracuse (New Era Pinstripe Bowl)
I liked this a lot. It was very clean and respectable. It gets your attention. As long as it’s done in a respectful way this is always a good way to go, especially if there is military at the game as well.
Kenny Vaccaro's Superman Impression
Celebration By: Kenny Vaccaro, Texas Longhorns
Date: 12/28/2011
Game: Texas vs. California (Holiday Bowl)
I wonder if he’s paying rights to Cam Newton. I mean, Newton isn’t the first to ever do it, but he’s making it cool and popular right now.
Favorite Celebration of All-Time
Celebration By: Desmond Howard, Michigan Wolverines
Date: 11/23/1991
Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan
It’d have to be my pose. The timing of it was perfect. Everything matched up well, from it being our last regular season game to the Heisman award being around the corner to us playing our rival, and Keith Jackson’s commentary. The timing was what made it special.