Filipino-American safety Cam Bynum gained internet fame due to his unusual and entertaining celebrations after making a play with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings.
On a recent feature on NFL heritage, Filipino-American NFL player Cam Bynum spoke out about his viral celebrations, which have taken the internet by storm in the current season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Bynum, who now lives in the Philippines during the football offseason, attended an event dubbed “Filipino Fiesta” where he linked his crazy antics to his Filipino roots, saying that part of his local heritage was always willing to go the extra mile.
“I was raised watching a lot of the dance shows like America’s Best Dance Crew and watching the Jabbawockeez, so my cousins and I would always try to mimic all of their dances. Now being able to share dance with people overall, just the joy there is in that, something that’s been a part of me for my whole life,” said Bynum.
“One thing about us Filipinos, we’re always gonna be extra and just do as much as we can. It’s funny when I’m doing my dances and people are saying that [my] Filipino side is coming out,” he added.
In the video, Bynum is shown dancing to Filipino folk dance, Tinikling.
The 26-year-old hasn’t been shy in flaunting his Philippine heritage, whether in social media or on the Gridiron.
Now through his celebrations after a play — which combine his creativity and talent with viral dances or trends — he’s also sharing a unique side of Filipinos that not many people in the NFL know.
Getting to combine two of his loves — sport and his Filipino roots — helps Bynum enjoy the best of two worlds.
“Being able to really introduce Filipino culture to other people is one of the best ways that I stay connected, especially during the football season when I’m not living in the Philippines like I am in the offseason,” he said.
Previously, Bynum has also made community efforts with victims of calamities here in the Philippines.
Bynum and the Vikings are currently second in the NFC North Division at 12-2 and are on a hot streak with seven straight wins.