What is the origin of the tradition of soaking the head coach with the coolers full of Gatorade?

February 7, 2005 7:13 AM

Wasted-ElectrolyteFilter - In the wake of the excitement over the most recent Super Bowl, I was pondering another pop culture reference that is just as much a part of the big game as are ludicrously expensive commercials and references to Disney Land. What is the origin of the tradition of soaking the head coach with the coolers full of Gatorade?
posted by bakerwc1369 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (5 answers total)

It originated with the New York Giants in 1985. That year, they dumped the Gatorade bucket on the head coach, Bill Parcells, after every win. It gained national notoriety when they did it in the closing seconds of the Super Bowl. Offensive lineman Jim Burt was the first to give Parcells the Gatorade bath, but Harry Carson was the most prolific. Info here
posted by LouMac at 7:23 AM on February 7, 2005

I also heard that having done it once during the season, it was continued with Parcells' insistence, superstition and what not.
posted by edgeways at 7:42 AM on February 7, 2005

There are reports that the Gatorade bath was what led to the death of Coach George Allen. Anyone know if this is true, or just urban legend?
posted by GaelFC at 10:10 AM on February 7, 2005

The (original) question was answered on Ask Yahoo just over a week ago... Yep, Parcells.
posted by web-goddess at 12:50 PM on February 7, 2005

George Allen wasn't the coach of the Redskins in 1990. Was he visiting the Redskins sideline?
posted by ?! at 12:00 PM on February 8, 2005