The Scripps National Spelling Bee — perhaps the most riveting annual sports event ESPN has to offer — drew to a close Thursday night after awarding its third consecutive tie, this year to 13-year-old Jairam Hathwar and *11-year-old* Nihar Janga, the youngest kid ever to win the bee.
As with spelling bees of yore, this year’s competition was filled with all the quintessential nail-biting moments…
And priceless facial expressions of deep thought…
But a new trend emerged at this year’s bee, one inspired by a certain irresistibly charming Carolina Panthers quarterback.
After correctly executing words like “condignly,” “bathos,” and “nagelfluh,” several savvy spellers celebrated by dabbing for the crowd.
The Carolina Panthers took notice.
Expect angry letters, kids. https://t.co/ZiDSFZUS8T