The dab probably was on its last legs when Panthers owner Jerry Richardson attempted it (if not before then), but it’s officially dead now.
During an interview with WFNZ’s Chris McClain and Jim Celania Thursday, the man who popularized the dance move which became the team’s signature celebrations said it was time to move on.
“I have to put that aside,” Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said, via Black and Blue Review. (The full interview is here.)
This momentous news also came with a tease, that he was going to replace it with a to-be-announced celebration for the coming season, or maybe he hasn’t figured it out yet.
“I have time,” he said. “I have until September to find out.”
Of course, there were more weighty matters discussed, namely his post-Super Bowl pouting. It’s been a hot topic since before he sulked off the podium in Santa Clara, and he knows it’s going to follow him until he shows it’s not a defining moment.
“I have to remind people, don’t judge nothing if you have never been in that situation,” Newton said. “I’m not saying what I did was right, I’m not saying what I did is wrong, but I just want people to see it from my vantage point. I’ve learned from it, no doubt I’ve learned from it.”
It would be hard not to, after it was one of the main topics of conversation this offseason. But the fact he’s realized he probably didn’t handle it as gracefully as possible is worth celebrating, right?
Just not with a dab.