Celebrate good times, come on

The NFL's end zones have become the next closest thing to being Studio 54. The players' creativity, originality and showmanship make touchdowns look like an old Vanilla Ice music video. Whether it's "The Robot," "The Sprinkler" or "The Squirrel," players are turning their end zone dances into their own highlight reels. \nNowadays it's rare to see a player who reaches the end zone and doesn't spike the ball, slam dunk it through the field goal posts or jump into the crowd. While many criticize the acts as showboating and foolishness, many times it's the best part of a game.\nDoes anybody remember the final score of the Oct. 14, 2002 match-up between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks? No, of course you don't. That's because the only highlight of the game came as an end zone celebration by, of course, Terrell Owens. This was the infamous Sharpie celebration, in case anyone forgot. The final score was 28-21 with the 49ers winning, but, that score had absolutely no relevance nor did any of the players on the field besides Owens.\nNow I'm not saying that end zone celebrations completely overshadow what happens during a game, but they most definitely garner more attention. This year a war has broken out that was started by a single celebration. It was only a few weeks ago that Owens mocked the Ravens' Ray Lewis upon entering the end zone, performing Lewis' pre-game dance to perfection. Owens and Lewis have since been at each others' throats, and the Steelers' Hines Ward has contributed a bit as well. Two weeks ago, Ward flapped his arms like an eagle after scoring a touchdown, which is one of the many dances in Owens' repertoire. \nI don't see why people don't find this stuff entertaining. Anybody who reaches the end zone has the right to do whatever they want. If players disagree and get upset with each other, it's to their advantage. Football was meant to be played with a temper. So to Ray Lewis, I say, the next time T.O. makes fun of you after scoring a touchdown, plant that helmet of yours right into No. 81. It will add yet another highlight to an already filled reel.\nThings haven't always been like this, though. End zone celebrations have greatly evolved over the years. Guys like Deion Sanders and Merton Hanks patented their own celebrations, and neither the players nor the fans complained. Now players are competing against each other to see whose dance can top the other's. Not only does it liven up even the most boring of games, but it puts rear ends in stadium seats. Fans are left to ponder: What will guys like Owens, Joe Horn and Warren Sapp think of next?\nFootball on its own is already worth watching, but throw in some pom-pom shaking, Sharpie signing and cell phone calls, and you've got yourself a terrific Sunday worth of football. The best part of it is that players have only scratched the surface on the possibilities for celebrations. So watch out, MTV, the NFL is going to give you a run for your money.\nAfter writing all of this, I began to think up an original celebration for someone to use in the end zone. Well, I think I came up with a good one, and it's the same thing I do after writing a good column -- turn into Michael Flatley and do some Lord of the Dance.\nBut don't tell T.O. I don't want him stealing that one.