On December 2, 2006, the Oklahoma Sooners faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big 12 Championship Game. The stakes were high and the mood skyrocketed as the crowd anxiously waited for the young star to take to the field. Fans expected a tough showdown, but the Sooners turned the game one-sided in the first quarter. In fact, along with Oklahoma’s dominating on-field performance, it was ultimately how the team, especially wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, celebrated the victory that got the most attention. After all, their special rap celebration seems to still be remembered by NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, 16 years after it was first made public.
With a massive 14-point lead in the first quarter, the Sooners ensured the Cornhuskers would have to play a trailing game for the remainder of the game. After a bit of a fight in the second quarter, Oklahoma won 21-7 in the end, allowing fans to see the budding footballer’s hidden “rap” talent.
Shaquille O’Neal still remembers Malcolm Kelly’s famous ‘freestyle’
After winning the contest, the Oklahoma star proudly donned his Big 12 Championship hat and surrounded receiver Malcolm Kelly in one of the most iconic freestyles in Sooners history. Now this. ”But we’re gonna get it ’cause we gotta finish Nebraska Cornhuskers man, we faded”
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Reflecting on the freestyle that has become such a big part of Oklahoma’s history, according to OUDaly.com, former WR coach Kevin Sumlin said in 2017:I think someone started banging the trash can, the rest is history’ Kevin continued, saying that the rap was ‘it’s bigger than he thought”
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The rap session video was first shared on YouTube in 2007 and continues to be a regular hit. An Instagram reel of the iconic celebration posted by 247Sports was recently re-shared by Shaquille O’Neal on his account, (G) bringing back memories of old videos.
Malcolm Kelly’s NFL career cut short by multiple injuries
After earning big honors with the Oklahoma Sooners, the 2005 Big 12 All-Freshman was selected by the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders) in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The 51st overall pick, he signed a four-year, $3.36 million rookie deal.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries prevented Malcolm from reaching his full potential at the highest level. He was eventually released by the Redskins in 2011 along with an injury settlement. However, the star receiver returned to the sport he loved in 2019 in the form of a coach.
Malcolm began serving as TCU’s wide receiver coach and is still in trade with TCU. I wonder how many requests he still receives to freestyle again.