What Color Was the Gatorade Thrown on Andy Reid? The History of the Tradition

The Super Bowl is the biggest game in American sports, and for the winning coach, it always culminates in a moment of celebration. In recent years, a tradition has emerged, with the winning coach getting doused by a cooler of Gatorade. But the color of that Gatorade has often been a source of speculation and intrigue. Why is it always the same color? Who chooses it? And why does it matter? It turns out, there’s a whole lot more to this colorful tradition than meets the eye.

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For those who haven’t seen it before, imagine a stadium filled with screaming fans as the final whistle blows. The winning team rejoices, and the winning coach walks onto the field, overcome with emotion. Suddenly, a cooler of liquid is flung towards him, soaking him from head to toe. Usually, the liquid is a vibrant shade of blue, but other colors have been used in different years. The “Gatorade Shower,” as it’s known, has become just as much a part of the Super Bowl as the game itself. But why is it always Gatorade? Why, more importantly, is it always a specific color?

The Origins of the Gatorade Shower

The tradition of the Gatorade shower can be traced back to the 1980s, when college coaches started pouring the sports drink on their players after big wins. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became a Super Bowl ritual. In 1993, the New York Giants’ coaching staff, led by Bill Parcells, poured Gatorade over him to celebrate their victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII. The tradition took off, and now there is almost always a Gatorade shower for the winning coach.

The color of the Gatorade, however, is not decided by the coaches. It’s actually a marketing decision made by Gatorade themselves, and it often reflects the team’s colors. Sometimes that means it is a blue color, like when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won, or when the Kansas City Chiefs won with their red, white, and blue color scheme. Other times, it is a more unique hue, like the red Gatorade that was poured over the Carolina Panthers, reflecting their team colors.

Why Does the Gatorade Color Matter?

For many fans, the color of the Gatorade shower is just a fun, visual aspect of the victory celebration. However, the color also holds significance for the team and its fans. The tradition of using a drink associated with performance and athleticism underscores the achievement of the winning team.

And there’s a strategic advantage for Gatorade as well. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, offering the brand a unique way to get exposure to a large audience. When a coach is drenched in Gatorade, they are essentially becoming a walking billboard for the brand. The marketing team uses this opportunity to create a memorable experience for fans and associate the brand with winning, ultimately strengthening the brand’s connection with athletes and fans.

The Latest Trends in Gatorade Showers

The Gatorade shower has evolved significantly since its beginnings. Today, it’s no longer just a simple pouring of the liquid. Some coaches have been known to be inventive with how they are doused. In 2023, Andy Reid, the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs who won the Super Bowl got doused by both the players and his fellow coaches. Other times, the shower has been modified to include more players, not just the coach. The most recent trend involves a large amount of Gatorade being poured over the coach, often to the point where he’s drenched from head to toe. The experience sometimes appears more like a baptism than a shower.

One of the most interesting twists on the Gatorade shower is its use in other forms of sports, including professional and college basketball and even soccer. However, the trend has taken on a life of its own, becoming a tradition that extends beyond athletics into other fields. At some universities, students have started pouring Gatorade on professors after they receive the grade they wanted in a class, solidifying the tradition as one that can transcend a specific sport.

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Tips for Enjoying the Tradition

If you’re watching the Super Bowl, keep an eye out for the Gatorade shower. It’s a fun and exciting moment that adds to the overall energy of the game. And if you’re watching from home, you can even recreate the experience with a cooler of your own, though you might want to consider using a less messy alternative to Gatorade. And if you’re looking to go all-out for the Super Bowl party, you can choose the Gatorade flavor and color to match your team.

One of the things to keep in mind is to be respectful of the tradition. The shower is a moment of celebration, so if you’re attending the game in person, be sure to let the players and coaches enjoy their moment without crowding them or acting inappropriately. And if you see someone being doused with Gatorade, don’t try to get in the way of the fun! Simply enjoy the moment and take in the excitement.

FAQ

What Gatorade flavor is usually used? While the flavor varies, Gatorade’s website suggests that the most popular flavor used is their “Blue Bolt”.

How much Gatorade is used? The amount of Gatorade is not specified, but it takes multiple people to lift the cooler and dump it on the coach!

Does Gatorade pay coaches for the shower? There’s no confirmation that coaches are paid for the Gatorade shower.

What’s the most unusual Gatorade shower? The Carolina Panthers’ 2016 Super Bowl victory is known for the unusual color, red and black, for their shower.

What Color Was The Gatorade Thrown On Andy Reid

Conclusion

The Gatorade shower, despite its simplicity, is a powerful symbol of victory and celebration. The tradition has evolved over time, becoming more elaborate, more inclusive, and more exciting. The color of the Gatorade has become a central part of the tradition, representing the winning team’s colors and creating a lasting visual memory of the victory.

Do you have a favorite memory of a Gatorade shower? Are you a fan of the tradition? Let us know in the comments below!