The Griddy dance took the sports world by storm, becoming one of the most recognizable celebrations on football fields across America. This simple yet infectious dance move transcended sports to become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in video games, social media challenges, and even professional celebrations worldwide.
Allen Davis: The Original Creator
The Griddy dance was created by Allen Davis, a young man from New Orleans who went by the social media handle “Allen Davis 4.” In 2018, Davis first performed and recorded the dance, characterized by its distinctive alternating high-knee lifts while tapping the heels, paired with a swinging arm motion and a squinting facial expression. What began as a fun personal creation soon caught fire among his friends and local community.
How Justin Jefferson Made the Griddy Famous
While Davis invented the dance, it was LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson who catapulted it to national fame. Jefferson, a friend of Davis, adopted the dance as his touchdown celebration during LSU’s championship 2019 season. Every time Jefferson crossed into the end zone, millions of viewers witnessed the Griddy in action.
When Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, he brought the Griddy to the NFL, where its popularity exploded. By 2025, the dance has become so synonymous with Jefferson that many incorrectly assume he created it.
The Viral Spread Across Sports
What makes the Griddy’s story so fascinating is how quickly it spread. I remember watching games in early 2021 where suddenly it seemed like every player in the league was doing it after big plays. The dance crossed sport boundaries too – basketball players, soccer stars, and even golfers began incorporating the Griddy into their celebrations.
The movement gained further momentum when it was added as an emote in Fortnite and featured in Madden NFL games, introducing it to millions of young gamers who immediately recognized it from their favorite athletes.
Allen Davis’s Legacy
Though Jefferson became the face most associated with the Griddy, Davis has received recognition for his creation. In interviews, Jefferson has consistently credited Davis as the originator. This acknowledgment highlights an important aspect of dance culture – proper attribution matters.
Unlike some viral dance creators who’ve struggled to receive credit for their work, Davis has maintained a positive relationship with how his creation has spread. He’s embraced the dance’s popularity while still being acknowledged as its inventor.
The Cultural Impact
The Griddy represents something larger than just a celebratory dance. It showcases how in our connected world, a creative expression can travel from New Orleans neighborhoods to international stadiums at unprecedented speed. It demonstrates the blurring lines between sports, social media, and popular culture.
What began as one person’s creative expression has evolved into a universal language of celebration. When you see someone “hitting the Griddy” in 2025, you’re witnessing the enduring impact of Allen Davis’s creativity and Justin Jefferson’s platform – a perfect partnership that created one of sports’ most recognizable celebrations.
