Advertisement

Cam Newton’s cradle celebration explained -- he’s a new dad

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown against Atlanta.

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown against Atlanta.

(Erik S. Lesser / EPA)
Share

Cam Newton likes to celebrate when good things happen on the football field. And for his 14-1 Carolina Panthers, good things have been happening a lot.

The image of Newton dabbing while being confronted by Tennessee Titans defenders in the end zone is sure to be one of the lasting memories of the 2015 NFL season. He’s the reason old nerds like me even know what dabbing is.

After scoring on an eight-yard run against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Newton celebrated in a different way. Following the first-quarter touchdown, Newton cradled the football and rocked it like a baby. He did that twice (and then he dabbed).

Advertisement

We now know it’s because his life is very different now. On Tuesday, Newton tweeted that he and longtime girlfriend Kia Procter welcomed a baby boy -- the star quarterback’s first child -- last week.

Perhaps more information about the tyke will be revealed later Thursday, when Newton is scheduled to speak to reporters after Panthers practice.

Advertisement