Derek Carr is rhythmically inclined. The NFL? Not so much.
The Saints QB has impressed for much of the 2024 season, showing signs of the form that prompted New Orleans' front office to shell out $150 million for his services back in 2023.
Carr knows this better than anyone. Through four games, the Fresno State alum hasn't just walked the walk. He's also talked the talk, adorning his strong showings with eye-catching banter, too (see here).
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One of Carr's most memorable moments came in the Saints' 44-19 beatdown over the Cowboys. After finding paydirt via QB sneak —one of three scores he contributed to on the day — Carr left his mark at AT&T Stadium, invoking the King of Pop to showcase his dominance over a weary Dallas defense.
Not everyone reacted too kindly to the motion. With that, here's what you need to know about Carr's celebration, as well as the fine the NFL imposed upon him shortly thereafter.
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Derek Carr celebration
Carr finished off a third-quarter score against the Cowboys with a flourish, attempting a Michael Jackson-like jig once he crossed the plane of the end zone.
The choreography came equipped with all the typical Jackson-isms: a dip of the shoulders, a swivel of the hips, and an all-important reach for the crotch.
Not Derek Carr hitting a Michael Jackson celly in Air Jordan 11 cleats 😭🔥pic.twitter.com/Dt0K4ycEoU
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) September 15, 2024
All told, Carr's gesture was a pretty accurate reflection of the dance steps Jackson made popular. There was just one problem: the NFL didn't take kindly to his interpretation of the routine.
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The league docked Carr $14,069 for his attempt at recreating Jackson's waltz, per Yahoo Sports. He wasn't flagged on the play, although the league does have carte blanche to retroactively punish players for "unsportsmanlike conduct."
The NFL relaxed its celebration rules in 2017. Gestures deemed to be "sexually suggestive or offensive" are still liable to face scrutiny, though.
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Carr noted that his re-interpretation of Jackson's moves was a reflection of his relationship with his family.
"People don't know a lot of stuff about me. ... Weddings or birthdays, I'm always dancing," Carr said after the game (via ESPN). "One time I hit the Michael Jackson and [my brothers] were like, 'Bro, you have to do that if you score.'"
He did, but the NFL wasn't so enthusiastic. It remains to be seen if he'll attempt it again.
