If you've ever been to a Pittsburgh Steelers home game since 2003, you might be familiar with the much anticipated moment late in the second half when the jumbotron starts to fade to black. The Terrible Towels start waving, the highlights of the defense start appearing, and the famous 1978 Styx hit song, Renegade, is played throughout the stadium. This is in an attempt to get the Steelers defense fired up and make a big stop when the team needs it the most.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Joe Haden makes a critical interception against the New England Patriots back in Week 15 of 2018 with just under eight minutes remaining in the game. The Steelers would go on to beat the Patriots, 17-10. | Steelers.com
The song first played at Heinz Field, January 5, 2003, during a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns had a commanding 24-7 lead in the second half, but that wouldn't stick. Renegade was unleashed, and the entire atmosphere completely shifted. Pittsburgh outscored Cleveland 22-9 in the fourth quarter alone, and ended up winning the game, 36-33. From there, Renegade has been a staple in Steeler Nation's home game experience ever since.
The rock 'n' roll anthem hasn't always led to a momentum shift in the team's favor, however. Which has always brought up the question, does the song actually give the Steelers a slight advantage each time it's played? Thursday, a recent study formulated by students from Pittsburgh’s Point Park University, found some extremely interesting results over 54 home games from 2014-2021:
“The statistical tests we used are pretty simple and within reach of students in my Elementary Statistics courses, so it was natural to have our undergraduates assist in the collection and processing,” Matt Pascal, professor and chair of the Point Park Natural Sciences, Engineering, & Technology (NSET) department, said.
According to the researchers at Point Park University, AFTER Renegade is played:
- The Steelers maintained a lead in 33 games (61.1%) and came from behind to win or tie in six games (11.1%); they lost the lead in eight games (14.8%) and continued losing in seven games (13.0%).
- Opposing teams were seven times more likely to fumble on the very next play, or 7% of the time.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: The Pittsburgh Steelers defense poses for a team photo against the Cleveland Browns on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
It sounds like if you're a gambler, money on the Steelers to make a big stop or come from behind late in the game is the way to go.
Renegade during a home game for a Steelers fan is an experience like none other. It's electrifying. It's rejuvenating. And it's perhaps the best moment of the event outside of when the clock strikes 0:00 and the Steelers have more points on the board than the opponent. Check this out:
What are your thoughts on Renegade? Should the team keep it as a home game tradition? Is the data really as good as it appears? Make sure to click to comment below!
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