Dance moves new trend in winning?

Television has a big impression on sports.

Americans are more inclined to follow the new trend, especially from athletes as collectively adored as Cam Newton and Odell Beckham. They are generationally accepted as long as their games back them up.

Reality: Cam Newton is a 6-foot-5; 245lbs quarterback with similar speed as Danny Amendola, trucking skills like LeGarrette Blount, and slings the ball like Ben Roethlisberger.

However, trends are derived from what is “new” and “in” at the time. Newton’s “dab dance,” was originated by Atlanta rapper Skippa Da Flippa. Odell Beckham’s “hit dem folk’s dance” started in Columbus, Georgia and it is similar to the Lambeau Leap in the 90s.

Vines, Twitter videos and sports highlights focus on every media outlet and constructs creativity, excitement, and likeness towards players. This is very similar to viral Newton and Beckham moments that is recently captured.

How can you not enjoy two young upcoming stars in the NFL dominating on the field with a “cool” celebration dance? Some may think it is cocky, and others my see it as an act of selfishness by creating the attention upon themselves.  In addition, Carolina’s head coach Ron Rivera is doing the dance also known as the “dab.”

Carolina is currently being “slept on”. They are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 12-0.  The media is focusing on the rejuvenated Seahawks and celebrity quarterback, Russell Wilson instead of the Panthers.

States like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia are considered the south. Newton (26 years old) is from Atlanta and Beckham (23 years old) is from New Orleans. Let’s not overlook the fact that both players were considered as the “underdog players” in high school.

Beckham was a three star recruit out of Isidore Newman School but signed to LSU where he dominated his stay in Baton Rouge and practiced his spectacular catches at Charles McClendon Practice Facility.

Newton was the ninth ranked quarterback out of Westlake High School and ranked 58^th in the country. In his college years, he signed with Florida where he faced zero playing time. However, Cam Newton excelled on every level. He transferred to Blinn and carried them to a 2009 NJCAA National Football Championship and then committed to Auburn where he won a 2010 BCS National Championship game.

Both athletes overall NFL success boosted their admirations. Making impacts in a way the league has never seen before generates discussions. Beckham’s famous one-handed catch is arguably the best catch ever. With Ted Ginn, Corey Brown, Devin Funchess, and Jerricho Cotchery, Newton is challenging Tom Brady for league MVP based off what less he is working with. Additionally, the attention remains on every Newton’s touchdown as he continues to “dab” his way into winning football games. Newton has no pro bowl receiver. But somehow, his group of guys’ rallies behind his confidence he shows every week. Let’s not forget that Newton seeks out the younger fans in the stands and gives them hope as they receive the actual football from one of his many touchdowns.

The biggest question is will the Panthers be able to dominate the same way thus far as they’re doing in the regular season?

The highlight videos, which Americans witness on a weekly basis, ties back into the growth on social media and television towards sports. A fan focuses on off-field situations and personalities of a player on their favorite team in addition to how well they are playing. Kids around age eleven have access to watch highlights on their social media sites where the vast majority of new trends are established. Without technology, athlete’s off-field issues would not matter because it would be less media buzz.

To every success comes attention, whether positive or negative. (Just ask Rivera)

"I know the league has talked about trying to find ways to allow the players to keep their personality,” Rivera said. “But at the same time do it in a tasteful, positive manner that isn't taunting.”

By adding too much attention on yourself can be a good and a bad thing. Along with the attention, comes the ability to handle the consequences. Basically, not just talking that talk but walking the walk too.

Beckham and the Giants are 5-7, which leads to limited room for Beckham to talk.

Newton can continue to “dab” as long as the Panthers keep winning games.