Lambeau Leap

The Lambeau Leap is a touchdown celebration in which a player leaps into the bleachers after scoring, popularized by LeRoy Butler in 1993.

The Lambeau Leap is a touchdown celebration in American football in which a player leaps into the bleachers behind the end zone after scoring. The celebration was popularized after Green Bay Packers player LeRoy Butler jumped into the Lambeau Field bleachers after scoring a touchdown from a fumble recovery against the Los Angeles Raiders on December 26, 1993. The celebration has remained popular ever since, even as the National Football League (NFL) tightened rules on touchdown celebrations in the early 2000s. Some safety concerns have been noted by players and staff, including inappropriate touching by fans and the possibility of an injury to the player leaping into the bleachers. Although uncommon, the celebration has been attempted by multiple players from opposing teams at Lambeau Field. The Lambeau Leap is an important component of the history and traditions of the Packers.

Quick Facts

Location: Lambeau Field South End Zone

Lore & Background

The first Lambeau Leap occurred on December 26, 1993, in a historically cold game between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Raiders. With the Packers leading 14–0 in the fourth quarter, Raiders quarterback Vince Evans took the snap, rolled to his right, and completed a short pass to running back Randy Jordan. Jordan was immediately hit by Packers safety LeRoy Butler and fumbled the ball. The ball bounced directly into Packers defensive lineman Reggie White's hands; White turned around and tried to run to the end zone.

However, Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski got a hold of White and slowly tackled him. As White was falling out of bounds, he tossed the ball to Butler, who ran the ball the rest of the way to the end zone for a touchdown. After Butler scored, he dropped the ball, pointed to the bleachers, and leaped into the first row of fans, who then proceeded to embrace him for a few seconds. Butler dropped back down to the field, recovered the ball, and celebrated the score with his teammates.

The Packers went on to win the game 28–0. The win clinched the team's first playoff berth in 11 years. At the time, instant replay was not in use in the NFL. Broadcast replays clearly showed White stepping out of bounds prior to tossing the ball to Butler.

The Raiders also argued that Jordan never fully completed catching the football and the pass should have been ruled incomplete. Although other players would perform the Leap, it was popularized by wide receiver Robert Brooks, who would do it after every touchdown he scored. When the NFL updated rules regarding excessive celebrations in 2000 and 2014, the Lambeau Leap was grandfathered into the new rules, permitting it to continue, because it was an individual act of celebration that did not take on the form of taunting.

Reader's Guide

A few safety concerns have been noted by past Packers players and commentators. Primarily, there have been concerns for the player performing the Leap, specifically as they come down off the wall. In 2003, during a renovation of Lambeau Field, the wall between the field and stands was lowered, allowing for an easier leap for players. Players have also noted that they have been touched inappropriately while performing the Leap and have had various drinks and food spilled on them.

Many players have also had trouble completing the Leap, either crashing into the wall too hard or not jumping high enough. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL removed fans from the first six to eight rows of the stands during the 2020 NFL season in order to limit possible interactions or exposure between players and fans. As a result, the Lambeau Leap was effectively banned for the whole season. This did not prevent players from leaping into the empty stands to reenact a Lambeau Leap.

Did You Know?

Another replica wall was built inside the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame highlighting the history of the Leap while also allowing fans to perform their own Lambeau Leap.
In 2020, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel named the first Lambeau Leap as the 43rd greatest Wisconsin sports moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lambeau Leap?

It is a touchdown celebration where Green Bay Packers players jump into the arms of fans in the front row of the north end zone at Lambeau Field. This tradition highlights the unique connection between the team and its supporters during games.

Who started the Lambeau Leap?

The practice began with safety LeRoy Butler, who performed an impromptu leap into the stands after scoring a touchdown in December 1993. His spontaneous act of joy eventually became a staple of Packers culture.

Where does the Lambeau Leap take place?

Players must reach the north end zone of Lambeau Field to attempt this celebration. Only fans positioned directly in the front row of that specific area are eligible to catch the leaping athlete.

Is the Lambeau Leap still a tradition today?

Yes, the tradition remains active and iconic for every home game at Lambeau Field. It continues to symbolize the deep bond between the organization and its community regardless of weather conditions.