While the Green Bay Packers are still working on ensuring an effective transition from young quarterback Jordan Love to four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, they have consistently enjoyed a rich history of success. One of the key reasons behind the team’s achievements is undoubtedly the enthusiastic cheers they receive from their passionate fans at home.
The Packers boast one of the most dedicated and delightful fanbases in the NFL. Throughout the years, the team has spared no effort in maintaining a deep connection with their fans, and as a result, they have one of the most iconic celebrations in the league: the Lambeau Leap.
What is the NFL’s Lambeau Leap celebration?
The Lambeau Leap is typically performed by a football player after scoring a touchdown, involving the player jumping into the stands between the first row of bleachers and the field. Fans then continue the celebration by lifting up the athlete, creating a moment of excitement throughout the entire stadium.
In basketball, fans may rush the court after a game-changing shot, and the Lambeau Leap is a similar version of fans coming together around the players. It is widely popular because it’s not just a player-to-player celebration; instead, it fosters a bond between the players and fans who can directly share in the joy of scoring with their favorite stars.
What makes the NFL’s Lambeau Leap a Packers tradition?
The Lambeau Leap was originally initiated by the former Green Bay icon LeRoy Butler. He performed the celebration after scoring the first defensive touchdown of his career in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 26, 1993. The defensive back ensured he found the ball before running straight for the score, giving his team a 21-0 lead in the early minutes of the fourth quarter, and that’s when the Lambeau Leap was born.
“Right before I get into the end zone, I point to the stands like ‘I’m going to jump — catch me,'” Butler told Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer. “Everyone just rushes toward the low wall and reaches down. I spike the ball and run to jump up to them, and at that moment, the stadium has never been louder,” he said about it in 2003.
Robert Brooks, the Packers’ third-round draft pick in 1992, played alongside Butler from 1992 to 1998. While LeRoy Butler initiated the celebration, Brooks was the first to establish the Lambeau Leap as a tradition for the team by regularly performing it after scoring.
Following these two legends, many Green Bay veterans did this celebration including Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Chad Ochocinco, John Kuhn, and last but not the least, Packers recently divorced MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, Butler credited Driver to be the best Lambeau Leaper ever among these vets.
Who is the best Lambeau Leaper according to you? Tell us in the comments.
