On their path to the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots didn’t just pile up wins-they built a vibe. Fourteen regular season victories, three more in the playoffs, and 64 touchdowns later, this team didn’t just dominate the scoreboard-they brought the energy, the swagger, and yes, the celebrations.
One celebration in particular stood out. You’ve probably seen it by now: a player covers his face with one hand and waves the other in front of him like he’s brushing something off.
It’s called the “Zombieland” celebration. And if you’re wondering what it means, well, you’re not alone.
“I don’t even know the name of it,” said wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the guy who introduced it to the team. “I’ve been on the internet a little bit.
I thought it was fitting. I think it started at Buffalo, kind of carried on.
I don’t give it too much thought. I’m out there to have fun, and bring a lot of energy and swag.”
That’s Diggs in a nutshell-playmaker, energy-giver, and, apparently, celebration trendsetter.
The Zombieland move actually dates back to Western Kentucky in 2020. From there, it made its rounds across college football, never fully explained but always catching eyes. It finally found its way to New England in 2025, and from that point on, it became more than just a touchdown dance-it became a team signature.
And that’s where things get interesting. Because for Diggs, this wasn’t just about a fun post-score pose.
It was about building something deeper-a sense of unity. A shared identity.
A spark that could ignite the entire roster, not just the offense.
“I’m a small piece of the puzzle,” Diggs said. “But when other guys make plays and carry it on-even the defense-it was crazy.
When it first happened, the defense was like, ‘We need a celebration bad. Y’all got a celebration?’”
That kind of enthusiasm from both sides of the ball speaks volumes. In a league where chemistry can be the difference between a playoff team and a Super Bowl team, these moments matter.
“It brings the team together a little bit when you have a team celebration and stuff like that,” Diggs added. “I credit that to my past years being at other places and seeing what kind of brings guys together.
And you’ve got to make plays first before you can celebrate. So, I think it goes hand in hand.”
He’s right. You don’t get to celebrate unless you earn it. And the Patriots earned plenty this season.
From the outside, it might look like just another quirky dance. But inside the locker room, it’s a symbol of something more.
A team that’s not just winning, but winning together. And in a sport as brutal and unforgiving as football, that kind of connection can be the secret sauce.
So the next time you see a Patriot hit the Zombieland pose, know this-it’s not just for show. It’s a signal.
This team is locked in, having fun, and doing it as one. And that’s a scary sight for whoever’s next on the schedule.