The best sports renditions of "Shake It Off"
It seemed like Taylor Swift clocked more minutes than the entire New York Knicks’ bench during their season opener at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 29. Of course, there was plenty of hating for the Knicks’ newest honorary member, but the sports world has embraced T-Swift and her undeniably catchy song, “Shake It Off,” which has everyone from players to coaches to mascots showing off their own self-deprecating dance moves. We've compiled a list of the best videos while we eagerly await Derrick Rose’s rendition.
Amar'e Stoudemire
We kick it off with Taylor and her new BFF, Amar’e Stoudemire, who showed off his vocal skills (or lack thereof) during the season opener. We wonder if there was an encore after that 104-80 blowout loss to the Bulls.
Frank Kaminsky
Apparently being named ESPN’s top player in college basketball isn’t all that impressive to Wisconsin’s a capella group Fundamentally Sound, who challenged senior Frank Kaminsky to a dance-off. Watch as the 7-foot forward and his goofy dance moves bring joy to a sad person’s day.
Big Ten mascots
The Big Ten mascots danced around their campuses and created this spirited video featuring Brutus Buckeye, Bucky Badger, Goldy Gopher, Herbie Husker and Lil’Red, Herky the Hawk, Purdue Pete and Sparty. Not really sure what Lil’ Red’s doing at 2:57, but we dig it.
Steve Spurrier
After South Carolina lost four consecutive conference games, head coach Steve Spurrier turned to Taylor Swift with hopes that her lyrical genius would motivate his team. Though we lack evidence of the actual speech, one fan was kind enough to put together this nice clip.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets started their season with this parody, featuring players, Nuggets Dancers and Rocky the mascot. Special shout out to 7-foot-1, 250-pound Timofey Mozgov for his impeccable ribbon twirling skills.
U.S. Air Force Academy
The U.S. Air Force Parachute Team released a spirit video ahead of the USAFA-Army football game on Nov. 1. It’s got flips, it’s got tricks, it’s got people singing as they jump out of planes thousands of feet above the ground. Not only does this take the award for the most impressive "Shake It Off" video, but the Air Force also ended up winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy four days later, no doubt thanks to T-Swift.
Michael Strahan
Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa debuted a star-studded parody of the music video during their Live! With Kelly and Michael Halloween special. The co-hosts even dressed up in various costumes, with the Hall of Famer doing his best impression of Crazy Eyes, the Earl of Grantham, Maria von Trapp and Kanye West. Their version was met with a stamp of approval from Taylor herself, who made an appearance at the end.
Shaquille O'Neal
He hasn't joined in on the trend, but maybe that's a good thing, since nothing could ever top this genius "Shaq It Off" Vine pairing the song with the shimmying Shaq vs. cat gif.
