Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez reveal their quirky inspiration behind the sack celebration.

The Detroit Lions brought a lighthearted touch to their dominant victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a unique sack celebration that left fans and opponents alike intrigued. The celebration, which followed a sack split by defensive end Za’Darius Smith and linebacker Jack Campbell, was one for the books—particularly because it drew inspiration from a classic comedy film.

A Hollywood-Inspired Sack Dance

On Sunday, after Smith sacked Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones, the Lions defense kicked off a celebration that included swinging imaginary golf clubs before breaking into a quick dance. The move caught the attention of many, with some fans wondering if the gesture had any political significance. However, the truth behind the celebration was far more entertaining and rooted in pop culture than anyone could have guessed.

Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and Smith both explained to Lions OnSI that the celebration was inspired by the 1980 comedy Caddyshack, starring Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield. In the film, a gopher performs a dance that mirrors the one Rodriguez and Smith executed in their celebration.

The Gopher Impersonation

Smith, playing in his first game with the Lions after being traded from the Cleveland Browns, kicked off the celebration by crawling on the field, imitating the gopher’s dance. Rodriguez, who was returning after missing two games due to an ankle injury, quickly joined in. Jack Campbell, the third player involved in the sack, joined the fun as well, completing the trio’s impromptu choreography.

Rodriguez admitted that the idea for the celebration came up spontaneously on game day. It was a fun moment that added to the team’s morale, and it was clear that their shared enthusiasm for the lighthearted tribute brought an extra spark to the defense’s performance.

Dominating Defensive Effort

Beyond their fun celebration, the Lions defense was on point throughout the game. They held Jacksonville to a mere two field goals—one at the start and one at the end of the first half. For the rest of the game, the Jaguars couldn’t find the end zone, ultimately falling 52-6 to the Lions.

Smith and Rodriguez were crucial to the Lions’ strong defensive showing, and their post-sack celebration was a perfect cap to an excellent day on the field. While it was a fun distraction, their ability to stifle the Jaguars’ offense highlighted their contributions to the team’s dominant performance.

The Detroit Lions’ Rising Energy

In the midst of a solid season, the Lions’ defense continues to rise to the occasion, with players like Smith and Rodriguez injecting energy into both their on-field performance and their camaraderie. It’s moments like this that showcase the personality of the team—focused yet always ready for some fun, both on and off the field. The quirky sack celebration was an unexpected highlight in a game filled with excellent defensive play, showing that sometimes, a little humor can go a long way.

As the Lions continue their push for postseason contention, fans can expect more spirited performances and maybe even more celebrations inspired by classic films. For now, however, the Caddyshack dance will be one to remember.