The 25 Greatest Signature Moves of Star Athletes

Rajon Rondo's Tip-Off Goof-Off

One thing we know about kids is they just like to have fun. Since Rondo looks exactly like a child and probably always will, don’t expect these antics to change. We hope he gets well soon.

Dennis Rodman's Jersey Toss

Sure, Dennis Rodman was known for his eccentric wardrobe and hair color, unlimited tattoos and piercings, as well as his occasional mood to cross-dress, but that never kept him from pissing off referees to the point of being ejected -- over and over again. With every toss of the Rodman came a stripped-down toss of his jersey to a lucky fan on his frolic towards the locker room. Dennis might be the weirdest player to come along other than Metta World Peace, but he always made sure to keep us entertained, whether that meant marrying himself or kicking a cameraman.

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa's Home Run Celebrations

In the summer of 1998, these two steroid-pumped sluggers captured the hearts of the nation with a home run record chase. Both guys also had memorable celebrations after hitting one of their many dingers. McGwire would execute a forearm bash and fake stomach punch with whoever was on deck, and Sosa would go to the dugout and perform a series of chest taps and finger kisses to the TV camera. In hindsight, this video of it all is funny to watch:

Dwyane Wade's Rim Pull-Ups

Once upon a time in basketball, it was considered bad form to hang on the rim for fear of bending it or just looking like a supreme dipstick. Such is no longer true for the likes of Dwyane Wade, a man who has few rules for him and his all-star posse of teammates. Maybe soon they’ll start peeing from the rafters before games?

Kevin Garnett's Head Banging

Good luck rituals are usually very unorthodox, pretty much weird and superstitious. But we're not sure what good can come from Kevin Garnett banging his head into the basketball pole before each game. If you ask us, it's gotten a lot worse since Ray Allen left him for LeBron, a common relationship issue in the NBA these days.

Cam Newton's Superman Pose

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s trademark move is mimicking Clark Kent tearing his shirt to reveal his Superman outfit after a touchdown. Yet, “SuperCam” cannot fly worth a damn or reverse the spin of the Earth on its axis. Silly football players.

Jeff Hornacek's Free Throw Face Touching

There are lots of little things players do at the free throw line to give themselves rhythm and some extra luck, like spinning the ball a few times in their hands, bending the knees a few times or even taking a pretend shot like Steve Nash before being handed the ball. But in no instance has anyone other than Jeff Hornacek considered it not creepy to gently touch the cheeks of his face like a convicted serial killer before shooting a free throw. Not sure where you got it, Jeff, but it seemed to work for you, you weirdo.

Jason Kidd Blows a Kiss

One of the NBA’s oldest veteran players who just won’t seem to go away, Jason Kidd has a number of consistent good marks on his record. And despite having some bad marks in his personal life, Kidd has always paid tribute to his children and wife while at the foul line by blowing a kiss to them.

There are many more athletes with free throw rituals of note, but rather than listing them all, just watch this:

The Bash Brothers' Forearm Smash

In the late '80s, the Oakland A's would land two of Major League Baseball's biggest sluggers, Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire, who would go on to be known as the "Bash Brothers." After one or the other would round the bases after hitting another 500-foot bomb, they would meet at home plate and smash their massive forearms together.

Brandi Chastain's Shirtless Celebration

If you only read "Chastain Shirtless" and were hoping to see a topless photo of Jessica Chastain, we're sorry to disappoint. However, this photo of Brandi Chastain's bra-baring celebration after she kicked the game-winning goal against China in the 1999 Women's World Cup stands alone as her signature move.

Aaron Rodger's Discount Double Check Touchdown Dance

We're not sure what he actually called his move before the State Farm commercials started airing every minute, but it doesn't matter. It will forever be referred to as the Discount Double Check now.

Dikembe Mutombo's Finger Wag

After blocking a shot, which Mutombo did many times in his career, he would send a message in the form of a finger wag letting you know you better not try that shit again. But in all actuality, his most famous move ever was (allegedly) walking into a bar back in the day and yelling out the question printed on this t-shirt.

Michael Jordan's Powder Clap

Everybody wanted to be like Mike back in the '90s, so it wasn't uncommon to see a random person on the streets powdering up and clapping it into a dusty cloud like MJ would do in front of Bulls broadcaster Johnny "Red" Kerr before every game. Jordan said of the ritual, "I don’t know how it started. I think he had a nice suit on and I wanted to mess him up a little."

Terrell Davis' Mile High Salute

Who could forget the Mile High Salute of Terrell Davis? This move is special, not only because it is still mimicked by Denver Broncos players to this day, but for the fact that it rendered him the proud owner of his very own line of barbeque sauce, “Mile High Salute Bar-B-Que Sauce.”

Ken Griffey, Jr.'s Signature Swing

Not many baseball players can hit for power and average and look cool doing it, but Ken Griffey, Jr. could every single time. Aside from homerun highway robbery and a badass swing-and-strut, Griffey also had his commercial successes. He appeared on an episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” AND had a Super Nintendo game named after him, specifically in 1995. That takes a mighty cool swing.

Deion Sanders' "Prime Time Dance"

Deion Sanders was a multi-talented, multi-sports player who stood out and stood out loud for all to see in the ‘90s. However great he was defensively for the Falcons, 49ers, Cowboys or even his baseball teams, people remember Deion best for his touchdown celebration, the “Prime Time Dance.”

They even have football practices that Deion attends where he teaches youngsters how to get down after a touchdown. It’s nice to see America’s youth heading in the right direction for once.

Nani's "Leap of Death"

Like some move from a fight scene in "Mortal Kombat," soccer stud Nani celebrates with the "Leap of Death," throwing his body completely around in a 360 back flip like a freak.

Carl Edwards' Victory Lane Back Flip

Speaking of flipping, Speed racer Carl Edwards is well known for his courageous back flip off the driver’s side door of his car after big victories. It's hard to believe so much athleticism can come from a guy who only drives fast and turns left sometimes.

Lebron James' Powder Toss

It's been said that there is no better role model than the best. So if you are going to copy a move from the best, you better go above and beyond. That is exactly what Lebron James does with his pregame talcum powder toss that one-ups both Michael Jordan (previously mentioned) and Kevin Garnett's powdering up routines.

David Beckham Bends It

No free kick style is as unique and well-known as the Becks'. There is a movie named after it for heaven's sake. Do we have to say any more?

Ozzie Smith's Back Flip

Even as his career progressed, Ozzie still had the spirited glow of a never-aged child. If you remember back to the ‘80s when baseball was pure, relevant and semi-steroid free, you’ll remember that Ozzie Smith was the guy with the golden glove who started every game with a little hop and a back flip. Something tells us Ozzie still does these back flips when he gets out of bed every morning, and he’ll probably continue to do them long after he’s gone.

Tim Tebow Tebowing

No NFL-related phenomenon has ever been more widespread and equally hard to understand than Tebowing, but there is no denying that the man truly knows how to get down on a knee and pray. Look at that form!

Tiger Woods' Fist Pump

Everybody recognizes the clutch fist pump of one of golf’s most revered record holders, Tiger Woods, after sinking the big shot. The final round red shirt is just as legendary, followed closely behind by his loud swearing and yelling at fans for taking pictures during his swing.

Michael Jordan Sticking His Tongue Out

It is unknown when Michael Jordan first started sticking his tongue out during the most intense sports moments, but it has served him well. Some say it’s hereditary, while others believe it’s just pure awesome escaping from his mouth so he won't internally combust. This is the greatest signature move of all-time.