The tradition of dousing the Super Bowl-winning coach with Gatorade is one of the most anticipated and talked-about customs by viewers of each edition of the National Football League’s grand game. This celebratory gesture adds an element of surprise and excitement to the conclusion of an event that has become a global spectacle.
Since the New York Giants initiated this practice in the 1980s, the color of the drink has varied, transforming into a topic of speculation and betting among fans and experts alike. Many fans even place bets on the outcome, making the color of Gatorade a fun and unpredictable aspect of the Super Bowl festivities. Every year, the choice of color adds an extra layer of intrigue to the championship game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The origins of the Gatorade shower
The tradition of dousing the winning Super Bowl coach with Gatorade began in the mid-1980s, with the New York Giants reportedly initiating the practice during the 1984 regular season of the NFL. This unique celebration gained widespread attention during the 1986 NFL season when Giants head coach Bill Parcells was doused 17 times after each victory, culminating in a Super Bowl XXI win.
As the years rolled on, the Gatorade shower became a staple of Super Bowl celebrations, with teams embracing this tradition as a way to express their joy and triumph. The ritual has since evolved into a beloved part of the game, with fans eagerly guessing which color will reign supreme each year.
Gatorade colors through the years
The choice of Gatorade color has varied from year to year, and this unpredictability is what makes it so exciting. Based on historical data, the most frequently used Gatorade color in Super Bowl celebrations is orange, which has appeared five times, accounting for 21.7% of the time. Other colors have made their mark as well, creating a colorful history that fans love to discuss.
Here’s a look at the Gatorade colors over the years:
| Year | Super Bowl Winner | Gatorade Color |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | Purple |
| 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs | Purple |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Rams | Blue |
| 2021 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Blue |
| 2020 | Kansas City Chiefs | Orange |
| 2019 | New England Patriots | Blue |
| 2018 | Philadelphia Eagles | Yellow |
| 2017 | New England Patriots | None |
| 2016 | Denver Broncos | Orange |
| 2015 | New England Patriots | Blue |
| 2014 | Seattle Seahawks | Orange |
| 2013 | Baltimore Ravens | None |
| 2012 | New York Giants | Purple |
| 2011 | Green Bay Packers | Orange |
| 2010 | New Orleans Saints | Orange |
| 2009 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Yellow |
| 2008 | New York Giants | Transparent |
| 2007 | Indianapolis Colts | Transparent |
| 2006 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Transparent |
| 2005 | New England Patriots | Transparent |
| 2004 | New England Patriots | None |
| 2003 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Purple |
| 2002 | New England Patriots | None |
| 2001 | Baltimore Ravens | Yellow |
What color will reign supreme in the upcoming Super Bowl LIX? The anticipation is palpable, and fans are already speculating and placing bets on their favorite colors. The excitement surrounding this tradition not only adds a fun twist to the game but also unites fans in a shared experience of joy and celebration.
The thrill of the unknown
As we look forward to the next Super Bowl, the color of the Gatorade used in the celebration remains a mystery. Will it be a classic orange, a vibrant blue, or perhaps a bold purple? The choice of color has become a fun and often unpredictable aspect of the Super Bowl festivities, capturing the attention of fans from all walks of life.
The Gatorade shower is more than just a drink; it symbolizes the culmination of hard work, dedication, and triumph. As players and coaches celebrate their victory, the colorful splash of Gatorade serves as a reminder of the exhilarating journey they undertook to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
So, as we gear up for another thrilling Super Bowl, let’s embrace the excitement of the Gatorade shower tradition. Who knows? This year might just bring a new favorite color into the mix!
