B.J. Raji has been dominant during Green Bay’s stretch run, and particularly in the playoffs. Now, he’s getting national attention as the originator of a dance craze for his post-big play celebrations.
The Packers nose tackle’s dance (click here to see it) is known as “The Raji,” a sort of spin-off of “The Dougie.” And it’s been 20 years in the making.
Raji’s father, Busari, explained in an interview with ESPN New York’s Ohm Youngmisuk that B.J. used to tempt his grandmother to chase him as a toddler, and even at a young age showed nimble feet and moves.
“He would say, ‘Granny can’t catch me, granny can’t catch me,’” Busari said of B.J., who swayed back and forth with his hands on his hips. “She would say, ‘Come here boy!’”
“The Raji” took on a life of its own when B.J. executed the dance following his 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in the NFC Championship Game.
Raji grew up in Nigeria, where his father used to walk more than three miles just to obtain two gallons of water. His son is now a Pro Bowl-caliber NFL lineman. Busari’s other son, Corey, is a senior forward for the Boston College basketball team, and is averaging 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
“It is amazing,” said Busari when asked about B.J.'s development from an aggressive toddler into an aggressive, pass-rushing, space-eating nose tackle. “I just can’t imagine that this poor, unknown, African, Nigerian immigrant is now a household name.
“Imagine that.”