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What color was the gatorade last time eagles won?

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most popular and successful franchises in the National Football League (NFL). They have a long and storied history, having been founded in 1933. In that time, the Eagles have won multiple championships and provided fans with many memorable moments.

One of the most iconic moments associated with the Eagles’ success is the famous Gatorade shower given to the head coach at the end of a Super Bowl or championship winning game. This tradition started in the 1980s and has become a celebratory ritual in all major American sports when a team wins a title.

In the case of the Eagles, their most recent Super Bowl championship came in Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018 when they defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. This was the Eagles’ first ever Super Bowl win in franchise history after losing their first two appearances in 1981 and 2005.

The coach who received the Gatorade shower at the end of Super Bowl LII was Doug Pederson in his second year as head coach of the Eagles. Pederson had led the team to a 13-3 regular season record before their underdog playoff run culminated in the thrilling Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.

But what color Gatorade was dumped on Pederson’s head amidst the confetti and celebrations? Let’s take a closer look back at that famous Super Bowl night in Minnesota to reveal the answer.

Eagles’ Road to Super Bowl LII

In the 2017 regular season, the Eagles had one of their best years in franchise history behind second-year quarterback Carson Wentz. They finished with a 13-3 record to secure the #1 seed in the NFC and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

However, late in the season Wentz suffered a torn ACL injury, forcing backup QB Nick Foles into action for the postseason. Given Wentz’s MVP-caliber performance, it was expected the Eagles’ Super Bowl hopes had been dashed with the injury.

But Foles was able to lead the Eagles offense effectively enough paired with their ferocious defense. Philadelphia defeated the Atlanta Falcons 15-10 in the Divisional Round and then blew out the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 in the NFC Championship game to clinch the franchise’s third ever Super Bowl berth.

There they would meet Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, who were attempting to win back-to-back Super Bowls and their 6th championship of the Brady/Bill Belichick era. But the Eagles embraced their underdog status and believed in Foles to complete their improbable playoff run with one more victory.

1st Half of Super Bowl LII

The Eagles came flying out of the gates in Super Bowl LII establishing a 22-12 halftime lead over the favored Patriots. Foles threw for 215 yards and a touchdown along with another receiving TD on the famous “Philly Special” trick play.

Meanwhile the Eagles defense held Brady and the Patriots high-scoring offense to just one touchdown. An early field goal miss by New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski also proved costly in the first half.

Philadelphia had managed to fluster Brady at times, sacking him once and forcing him into several hurried incompletions. But despite their strong start, the Eagles knew Brady was capable of mounting a comeback.

It would take a full 60 minute effort to hold off New England and deliver the first Lombardi Trophy to the passionate Eagles fanbase.

2nd Half Comeback by Patriots

Trailing at halftime, Brady came out firing in the 3rd quarter. He led the Patriots on a scoring drive capped off by a 4-yard TD pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski, cutting the Eagles lead to 22-19.

After a Philadelphia field goal extended their lead to 8 points, Brady engineered another 75-yard march down the field. He connected with wide receiver Chris Hogan for a 26-yard touchdown to make it a one point game heading into the 4th quarter.

Just 12 minutes remained for the Eagles to try and hold off the onslaught from Brady and the Patriots offense. It was the first time in over a decade New England had trailed in the second half of a Super Bowl.

Eagles Response in 4th Quarter

Despite Brady’s furious comeback, the Eagles showed resilience by answering with a touchdown drive of their own early in the 4th quarter. Foles threw his second TD of the game by finding tight end Zach Ertz for an 11-yard score to rebuild a 38-33 advantage.

After a crucial defensive stop, the Eagles reached the Patriots 2-yard line looking to extend their lead. But a turnover on downs gave the ball back to Brady with just over 2 minutes remaining and a chance for yet another Super Bowl miracle.

As Brady drove into Eagles territory, it looked like he might pull off the impossible again. But cornerback Brandon Graham forced a strip sack fumble that was recovered by Philadelphia, all but sealing the franchise’s first championship.

Celebrations for Underdog Eagles

The final seconds ticked off the clock at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota and the Eagles were finally World Champions after their 41-33 victory. It capped off an underdog story for the ages with Foles playing the role of hero by winning Super Bowl MVP.

As the confetti fell and the Lombardi Trophy was presented, the emotions and celebrations began for the Eagles. This included the traditional Gatorade shower for Coach Doug Pederson who had orchestrated the team’s brilliant playoff run.

Players surrounded Pederson with defensive tackle Fletcher Cox doing the honors of dumping the cool, bright green liquid over his head. Green Gatorade was an apt choice considering the Eagles’ primary team colors.

Pederson took the icy bath in stride, embracing his players as they enjoyed the euphoria of achieving their ultimate goal together. The green Gatorade only enhanced the special moment for the city of Philadelphia’s first ever Super Bowl victory parade.

History of Gatorade Showers

The Gatorade shower is a tradition that started back in the mid-1980s by the New York Giants of the NFL. Defensive players would dump the drink cooler on head coach Bill Parcells after key victories.

It caught on across other sports throughout the 90s and 2000s as the ultimate way to celebrate championships and big wins. The color of the Gatorade can vary but is often coordinated with a team’s primary colors.

Some of the most notable Gatorade showers over the years:

  • Bill Belichick – Blue Gatorade after winning Super Bowl XXXIX with Patriots
  • Tony Dungy – Orange Gatorade after Super Bowl XLI win with Colts
  • Phil Jackson – Purple Gatorade shower by Lakers in 2009 NBA Finals
  • Dabo Swinney – Orange Gatorade after Clemson’s national title win in 2016

The Eagles’ use of green Gatorade to celebrate their Super Bowl win added to this fun tradition and created an iconic moment Philadelphia fans will never forget.

Summary of Eagles’ Super Bowl Gatorade Color

To recap, the color of the Gatorade dumped on Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson following their 41-33 victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018 was green.

Green is one of the Eagles’ official team colors along with silver, black, and white. So it was a fitting choice by Fletcher Cox when giving Pederson his cold shower as time expired sealing the franchise’s first championship.

Other key facts to remember:

  • Game played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota
  • Eagles won their first Super Bowl in 3 appearances
  • QB Nick Foles named Super Bowl MVP
  • Pederson became 2nd Eagles coach to win title (Buck Shaw in 1960)

Eagles fans had long waited for the moment they could finally celebrate a Super Bowl victory. The green Gatorade bath for Coach Pederson provided an iconic image to capture the team’s underdog triumph vs the Patriots dynasty led by Tom Brady.

Super Bowl Year Winning Team Gatorade Color
LII 2018 Philadelphia Eagles Green
XLIX 2015 New England Patriots Blue
XLVIII 2014 Seattle Seahawks Orange
XLVII 2013 Baltimore Ravens Purple
XLVI 2012 New York Giants Clear

Conclusion

In summary, when the Philadelphia Eagles won their first Super Bowl championship in 2018 at Super Bowl LII, the Gatorade color that was dumped on head coach Doug Pederson was green.

This has become a fun tradition over the years across all sports to celebrate big wins and titles. The Eagles’ use of green Gatorade was perfect given their team colors and the city’s long wait for a Lombardi Trophy.

Coach Pederson and the Eagles embracing their underdog status to take down the mighty Patriots dynasty led by Tom Brady is a true Philly sports story for the ages. Eagles fans will always remember Pederson’s green Gatorade shower as one of the iconic images from the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.