Green Bay Packers: Top 30 moments in franchise history

23. The First Lambeau Leap

One of the most iconic celebrations for the Packers started 22 years ago.

As Packers defensive end recovered a fumble he was able to lateral to Packers strong safety, who took the ball in for a touchdown. Butler then flipped the ball before jumping into the stands to be grabbed by the crowd. It has since translated into one of the most iconic celebrations in all of football.

LeRoy Butler is the originator of the Lambeau Leap, having enthralled fans with the first one Dec. 26, 1993.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With multiple celebrations banned in today’s NFL, the Lambeau Leap still remains legal, which may be due to the fact that former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was highly supportive of the celebration. He admired it, because it didn’t show up the other team, and provided a great interaction with the fans.

Multiple players have executed the Lambeau Leap, and have commented on the cool and unique experience. Packers wide receiver said about his first Lambeau Leap, “Got a fade ball in the corner in the south end zone — and jumped,” Nelson remembered. “It’s always a hassle to get out of it. That’s the biggest issue. The fans hold onto you. They want to try to stay warm and cuddle a little bit.”

Butler’s first Lambeau Leap will go down as one of the most iconic images in Packers history. There is a even an interactive statue of the leap outside of Lambeau Field.

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