The Horse Whisperer: The story behind Josh Norman's TD dance

If Josh Norman's horse, Delta 747, doesn't follow you on Twitter, don't take it personally. The Panthers cornerback has experienced it first hand. "He only follows horses," explains Norman. "So don't be mad if he doesn't follow you. Because he doesn't follow me, either."

With 514 followers, @Delta747J has more fans than the majority of the Twitter population, which is pretty impressive for a fairly unknown thoroughbred. Norman promises the horse's Twitter account is "something crazy," and a "goof," further proving that, alongside his stellar play for the Carolina Panthers and touchdown dances, Norman is having fun.

Which can come at a cost.

When he broke out a dance that was a tribute to Delta after a recent pick-six off Bucs QB Jameis Winston, the NFL fined Norman $8,681.

"I just want to represent for Delta!" Norman defends himself with another laugh.

"I wanted to wave at [Winston], but I knew I would get a flag, and I didn't want to hurt my teammates in that aspect," Norman said. "So I decided to say something to him ... which I will not say." He laughs and pauses. "When I got into the end zone, I ended up riding Delta. Lo and behold I got a flag."

The love of horses goes back to a childhood Norman might describe as life out in the sticks. He was raised in rural Greenwood, South Carolina, where horseback riding was a significant part of his life, and a passion he shared with his four brothers.

"I think we had like 20 horses," Norman recalls. "We would have the best time."

His passion has followed him into the NFL. It was five years ago he ended up getting Delta.

"Every time I get up to him, he knows what time it is. He wants to run just as fast as I do. That's my escape from football when I have a chance to."

These retreats from the game are working exceptionally well for Norman, who by the metrics or the scouting reports is now often referred to as one of the best cornerbacks in the game. And the 27-year-old looks as fresh as when he entered the league out of Coastal Carolina. His mentality since then however, is totally different. "My rookie year, I didn't know what I was doing," he says. "But now I do. I'm free, I'm relaxed, and I'm able to do what I always have been doing and have fun with this game. It's love, man."

After lunch during a recent bye week, Norman brainstormed howhe could incorporate his beloved Delta into a touchdown celebration without getting penalized. Use the football as a saddle? No, that's a prop. Take off the helmet, use that? No, that's a prop too.

Norman shrugs.

"Maybe I'll change it," he says, thinking back to his two touchdown celebrations this season: his latest against Winston, and one during the season opener against the Jaguars. He was sure to wave at Blake Bortles on that pick before he made his way into the end zone. "As soon as I got the ball, I made sure that he paid for what he did. I waved, and got in, rode my horse, and it was pretty darn fun."