Analyzing the Super Bowl's Gatorade shower tradition
The Super Bowl is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year. The widely popular championship game is also one of the most iconic and memorable cultural events in American society.
One of the most well-known traditions of the Super Bowl is the Gatorade shower. This is a celebratory act in which players douse their head coach with a cooler of Gatorade following a win at the big event. For a long period of time, this has been witnessed at the Super Bowl and is often one of the talking points after the game.
Origin of the Super Bowl Gatorade Shower
The origin of the Gatorade shower can be traced back to the mid-1980s. The NFL was experiencing a boom in popularity and Pepsi's Gatorade was becoming one of the most popular sports drinks across the world.
The drink was originally developed to help individuals replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost during intense physical activity. However, it in no time became a staple on the sidelines of NFL games and a symbol of victory and celebration.
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John Madden calling it https://t.co/m25gZxiEIU
The first recorded instance of a Gatorade shower took place in the 1986 Super Bowl. The Chicago Bears doused their coach, Mike Ditka, with the drink following their win over the New England Patriots at the Louisiana Superdome.
The act quickly became popular and has since become a staple of celebration.
Cultural significance of the Super Gatorade shower
The Gatorade shower has become more than just a simple celebration, it has become a symbol of unity and teamwork. The act of drenching the head coach with the sports drink represents the hard work and effort put in by the entire team and serves as a symbol of appreciation for the coach’s leadership and guidance.
It's become so ingrained in NFL culture that last year, you could even bet on what color it would be.
GATORADE SHOWER : SUPER BOWL | NFL - Feb 13
Super Bowl 56 - Gatorade Shower Color Prop Odds at Mybookie
What color will the Gatorade Shower be at the end of Super Bowl LVI? Traditional Orange is the early favorite at +200 https://t.co/HSMhDmjU0S
It has also become a cultural reference outside the realm of sports. The term “Gatorade shower” is used colloquially to refer to any sudden, unexpected drenching, regardless of the substance used. The term has become a cultural shorthand for a celebratory act, with the shower itself serving as a symbol of victory and celebration.
Is there anything better than @tkelce and the @Chiefs crowning Big Red with a @Gatorade shower?
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Gatorade showers have also become a part of Super Bowl folklore and are often remembered long after the game is over. Some of the most iconic showers have been captured on film and have become some of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
There's Tom Coughlin’s iconic Gatorade shower following the New York Giants' win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Andy Reid’s emotional shower in the Kansas City Chiefs’ win in Super Bowl LIV. Gatorade showers have become an integral part of Super Bowl culture.
Criticism in some quarters
Despite its popularity, the Gatorade shower has also faced its fair share of controversy. Some have argued that the shower is a waste of resources. Others citing the potential environmental impact of pouring large quantities of sports drinks into the environment.
Additionally, some have argued that the shower is an unnecessary form of celebration. The team has already won the game and the shower serves as nothing more than a way for players to show off and draw attention to themselves.
1997: Game Week v WFT- Fassel got the traditional gatorade shower as the #NYGiants won their first NFC East title since 1990 (when Hoss won Super Bowl XXV) with the 30-10 win over the Redskins. Not bad for a team picked to finish last by the experts #TogetherBlue https://t.co/XZDDGfj36t
Despite these criticisms, the Gatorade shower remains one of the most beloved and well-known traditions of the big game. The shower represents the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches and serves as a symbol of their bond and unity.