The clock hits zero, confetti rains down, and the winning coach braces for it. A cooler tilts, and suddenly, a tidal wave of neon-colored sports drink crashes over their head. This is not just a tradition. It is a Super Bowl ritual.
The Gatorade shower has become as much a part of the Super Bowl as the halftime show and million-dollar commercials. But how did this trend start? Why do players take such joy in drenching their coach with ice-cold liquid? More importantly, why do fans love it so much?
Let’s break down the history of this soaked-in-victory moment and how you can grab a piece of Super Bowl history for yourself.
The Origins of the Gatorade Shower
Like many great sports traditions, the Gatorade shower began with a prank. The credit goes to the New York Giants of the 1980s, specifically defensive linemen Harry Carson and Jim Burt.
In 1984, the Giants were in a tough spot. Coach Bill Parcells was tough on his players, particularly Burt. To get back at him, Burt planned a surprise. After a big win, he dumped a cooler of Gatorade over Parcells’ head. The moment was completely unplanned, but it quickly became a team-wide celebration tactic.
The Giants kept the prank going. By the time they won Super Bowl XXI in 1987, it had become a full-blown tradition. Other teams took notice. Soon, the Gatorade shower spread across the league, turning post-game celebrations into splash zones.
Why the Gatorade Shower is More Than Just a Gimmick
At first glance, the Gatorade shower looks like a harmless joke. But if you ask the players, it means much more.
- It is the ultimate sign of respect – Players do not drench just anyone. The Gatorade shower is a way of saying, you led us to victory, and now you are going to feel it.
- It is a team-wide celebration – Everyone sees the championship trophy, but the Gatorade bath? That is a moment that belongs to the players and their coach alone.
- It creates an unforgettable memory – Decades later, fans still talk about the best Gatorade showers in Super Bowl history.
When a coach gets soaked, you know they earned it.
Gatorade Colors: A Super Bowl Betting Phenomenon
Believe it or not, one of the most hyped Super Bowl bets every year has nothing to do with the game itself. Fans can actually wager on what color the Gatorade shower will be.
From classic orange to electric blue, past winners have given us some wild variations. Sportsbooks even release odds on which color will win. Want to guess which hue has been most popular?
Here is the breakdown of past Gatorade shower colors in Super Bowl history:
- Orange – The most common, appearing multiple times over the years
- Blue – A fan favorite that has been used in many recent championships
- Clear/Water – Surprisingly frequent, but let’s be honest, not as fun
- Yellow/Green/Lime – The classic Gatorade shade that occasionally makes a comeback
- Purple – A rare but memorable choice
Picking the winning Gatorade color has become a Super Bowl tradition in its own right.
How to Get a Piece of Super Bowl History
Gatorade showers may be reserved for champions, but fans now have a way to bring home a part of the action.
For a limited time, Gatorade is giving away 1,300 official Super Bowl LIX Sideline Towels. These are the same towels used by NFL players, making them a perfect keepsake for any football fan.
How to Enter the Gatorade Super Bowl LIX Sideline Towel Sweepstakes
Winning is simple, and it is completely free to enter. Here is how:
Win a Gatorade Super Bowl LIX Sideline Towel – Enter Daily!
February 1, 2025, at 12:00 AM PT to February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT
Open to legal residents of AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WY, and WA, aged 18 or older.
One (1) entry per day during the promotion period.
1,300 Winners: Official Gatorade Super Bowl LIX Sideline Towel
The Gatorade shower is one of those moments that defines the Super Bowl. It is unscripted, messy, and absolutely perfect.
While most of us will never experience the thrill of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, we can still grab a piece of Super Bowl history. Gatorade’s giveaway makes it easy for fans to score an official sideline towel just like the ones used in the game.
So whether you are watching the big game for the football, the commercials, or the halftime show, keep an eye on the Gatorade cooler. Someone is getting drenched, and it is going to be unforgettable.
