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15 QBs Who Celebrated a First Down Like They Won the Super Bowl

There’s nothing quite like a quarterback who turns a routine first down into a moment of pure theater. Whether it’s a flex, a fist pump, or a dramatic point downfield, some QBs can’t help themselves when they move the chains.

While we love the passion, sometimes these celebrations feel a little extra. Here are 15 quarterbacks who made first downs look like confetti should be falling from the sky.

15. Jameis Winston

Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) runs the ball for a first down against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field.
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Winston brings maximum energy to even the smallest plays. A first-down scramble usually ends with him signaling like he just walked off a movie set.

14. Cam Newton

Dec 17, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) signals a first down in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

Nobody loves a good celebration more than Cam; even a modest first down got the Superman treatment. He made every moment feel like a highlight.

13. Drew Lock

Sep 8, 2018; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) signals after running for a first down during the second half against the Wyoming Cowboys at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Missouri won 40-13.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Lock might not have a ton of wins, but he has confidence for days. His exaggerated first-down points were pure swagger.

12. Baker Mayfield

Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs for a first down in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Baker’s chip-on-the-shoulder vibe often showed up after short-yardage runs. You’d think he just sealed the game with some of those reactions.

11. Marcus Mariota

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (18) runs for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Mariota’s calm demeanor didn’t stop him from occasionally letting loose after a run. The rare celebration made it even more noticeable.

10. Taylor Heinicke

Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) reacts after a first down against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Heinicke plays like every snap could be his last, and he celebrates first downs like they’re game-winners. His passion is off the charts.

9. Jake Locker

September 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) runs for a first down during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Locker was known for tucking and running—and when he got the first down, he let you know. It was like he won a personal battle every time.

8. Zach Wilson

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) scrambles against the Jacksonville Jaguars for a first down in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford. Nyj Vs Jax
Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Even when the game was out of reach, Wilson would hit a first-down gesture like it was the biggest play of his life. The confidence never wavered.

7. Johnny Manziel

Jan 04, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates a first down with running back Ben Malena (1) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2013 Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium. Texas A&M won 41-13.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Manziel was a walking celebration, and first downs were no exception. He’d get up, flash the money signs, and act like the king of the moment.

6. Mitch Trubisky

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) runs for a first down against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Trubisky didn’t always light up the scoreboard, but you’d never know it from how he celebrated first downs. The enthusiasm was genuine.

5. Sam Darnold

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rushes for a first down in the second half. The New York Jets defeat the Dallas Cowboys, 24-22, on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyj Vs Dal
Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com, North Jersey Record via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Even a basic scramble felt like a career highlight for Darnold. His celebrations gave off strong “finally did something right” energy.

4. Colt McCoy

Nov 29, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) dives for the first down during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

McCoy’s been a journeyman, but you’d think he was the star every time he moved the chains. His reactions were always a little over the top in the best way.

Read More: Ranking The 10 NFL Players With The Most Epic End Zone Dances

3. Daniel Jones

Aug 17, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles 16 yards for a first down against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium.
Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Jones running for a first down is always an adventure; when he gets there, he lets it fly. He’s all in-the-point, the fist pump, the whole deal.

Read More: 10 Old-School QBs Who’d Light It Up with Today’s Soft Rules

2. Tim Tebow

Jan 2, 2011; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) cheers the first down made by himself on a run in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Tebow treated every first down like divine intervention. The passion, prayers, and theatrics were all part of the experience.

Read More: 13 QBs Who Definitely Rehearsed Their TD Celebrations

1. Josh Allen

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) reacts after a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Allen celebrates like a linebacker who just forced a fumble. Whether it’s a dive or a scramble, he’s bringing WWE-level hype after every first down.

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