The National Football League (NFL) is gearing up for the 2026 season with an exciting new campaign titled “The Season Is Your Stage.” This initiative seeks to celebrate the unique and often entertaining touchdown celebrations, known as “cellys,” that have become a hallmark of the sport. With the season commencing soon, fans can look forward to the return of their favourite teams and the spectacular moments in the end zone that accompany scoring plays.
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Star players including Dexter Lawrence of the Cincinnati Bengals, Nico Collins of the Houston Texans, and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons shared insights with PEOPLE on what inspires their memorable celebrations on the field. The energy and spontaneity of each play often dictate how the players express their joy and excitement after scoring.
Nico Collins remarked on the thrill of performing a celebration during a high-stakes moment. “Sometimes it’s something you’ve been thinking about all week, and sometimes it just happens in the moment. When you make a big play and hear the crowd react, you just feed off that energy,” the 27-year-old wide receiver explained. His personal favourite moment came during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 when he executed his “shimmy in the air” celebration.
Similarly, Dexter Lawrence, whose electrifying “Sexy Dexy” dance has become a viral sensation, emphasised the importance of connecting with the crowd. “Sometimes you just feel the moment,” stated Lawrence. “When a big play happens and the crowd is going crazy, you let that energy take over and have fun with it.” The 28-year-old defensive end’s exuberance encapsulates the spirit of the NFL’s new endeavour.
The NFL’s campaign features a variety of well-known players, including Dion Dawkins and James Cook from the Buffalo Bills, as well as Chicago Bears wide receivers Luther Burden and Rome Odunze. Robinson, a 24-year-old running back who recently signed a lucrative three-year, £75 million contract, noted that his team possesses an abundance of talent eager to showcase their skills and enjoy the game.
Central to this campaign is the creation of a “Celly Studio,” a fictional setting where players fine-tune their signature moves prior to taking them to the field. Camryn Bynum, who plays safety for the Indianapolis Colts, is featured as the “NFL Celly Coordinator” in this entertaining video. He pointed out the hard work that goes into preparing for game day, noting, “When it all comes together, there’s nothing better than sharing that excitement with your team and the fans who are right there celebrating with you.”
The promotional material highlights several stunning celebrations, including Lawrence’s “Sexy Dexy” and Bynum’s coined “Bynum Bounce.” A playful nod to the pop culture of football, the commercial even features the sugarcane bushes from Bad Bunny’s performance during the Apple Music Super Bowl LV Halftime Show.
Dion Dawkins added to the conversation, stating, “Some people just want to spike the ball, but when you score, you want to celebrate it. Those moments bring energy to the whole stadium.” His comments reflect an understanding of how fans and players are intertwined in the thrills of the game.
As the commencement of the NFL season approaches, excitement is palpable among players and fans alike. Travis Hunter, safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars, expressed optimism for the season ahead. “We’ve got big goals, a new stadium, and an incredible fanbase behind us. Any time you create new memories with your teammates and your fans is something special,” the 23-year-old remarked.
Beyond the promotional video, the NFL plans to expand the “celly” theme with interactive activations on the popular gaming platform, Roblox, alongside a new segment dubbed the “Celly Challenge” as part of the YouTube series, NFL Race to the Endzone. These initiatives aim to engage younger audiences and encourage fans to immerse themselves in the joyous spirit of the game.
The NFL 2026 season is set to officially kick off on Wednesday, 9th September, 2026, with the Seattle Seahawks pausing to host the New England Patriots after claiming victory in February’s Super Bowl. Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams will take on the San Francisco 49ers in the inaugural regular-season game in Australia the following day.
With so much to look forward to this season, fans are reminded that the thrill of the touchdown celebration is not just a solitary moment for the players; rather, it is a shared experience that amplifies the joy of the sport for everyone involved.