Skip to main content
Join

WATCH: Jaylen Waddle scores and teammates join in unique celebration dance

by:Austin Brezina•12/27/21•

AustinBrezina59

On3 image
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Miami Dolphins rookie Jaylen Waddle scored against the New Orleans Saints and had his teammates join in on his unique “penguin” touchdown dance. The sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft from Alabama has had an excellent rookie year as he chases the rookie record for receptions in a season.

Jaylen Waddle’s touchdown dance

On a misdirection play where Waddle caught a shovel pass from Tua Tagovailoa while running a reverse, the rookie reached the endzone for his fifth receiving touchdown of the year. As Jaylen Waddle did his unique “penguin” celebration dance, a reference to his last name, his offensive line got in on the fun and waddled alongside him.

Waddle shined early on Monday Night Football after passing Saints receiver Michael Thomas for second-most receptions by a rookie receiver in a season. The record ahead of Waddle is held by Anquan Boldin, who had 101 catches in 2003 as a rookie with the Arizona Cardinals.

By the end of the third quarter, Waddle had ten receptions which put him at 96 on the year and only five away from the record. The Dolphins will finish their season against the Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots, as the rookie from Alabama seems certain to pass Boldin’s record. Seeing Jaylen Waddle make NFL history might call for more of his teammates to join in on the celebration dance.

Waddle’s receiving yardage this season is third in the league among rookies. The only two receivers ahead of him currently are Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts.

After a 1-7 start to the season, Miami finds itself in a desperate push to make the playoffs. The Dolphins have won six straight games and can get their record above .500 with a victory Monday night. It would also move them into the AFC’s seven seed.

Miami controls its own destiny with games against Tennessee and New England still left on the schedule. If the Dolphins win out, they are in the postseason no matter what. Given their horrific start, that would be quite the accomplishment.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.