CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — When it comes to college football, there’s something uniquely special about the traditions that define the game. Whether it’s the pregame rituals, the iconic symbols, or the larger-than-life moments that captivate fans and players alike, college football is rich with heritage. Among these beloved rituals, Clemson’s Howard’s Rock stands tall as one of the most iconic and enduring symbols, joining the ranks of other famous college football totems like Notre Dame’s “Play Like a Champion Today” sign and the M Club Banner at Michigan.
For Clemson University, few things match the thrill of running down the hill at Memorial Stadium, also known as Death Valley, to the roar of 80,000 fans. Hunter Renfrow, former Clemson wide receiver who made the game-winning touchdown in the College Football Playoff national championship game, called the experience of touching Howard’s Rock before a game one of the most unforgettable moments in his career.
“I mean, 80,000 people screaming,” Renfrow said, recalling the electrifying atmosphere. “I think it’s one of the best traditions in college football.”
This simple yet powerful tradition, tied to Howard’s Rock, is far more than just a pregame ritual. It’s a symbol of Clemson’s spirit, a moment of connection between the team, the fans, and the history of the program. The rock itself, given to former Tigers coach Frank Howard by a friend who picked it up in Death Valley, California, has become a central part of the team’s identity.
What began as a humble doorstop in Howard’s office is now a monumental tradition that spans decades. The rock was first placed on a pedestal atop the hill at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium in 1966, and it quickly became synonymous with the team’s spirit and success. Today, it stands as a symbol of Clemson football, one that players and fans alike hold dear.
The Birth of Howard’s Rock Tradition
Frank Howard, the legendary coach who led Clemson from 1940 to 1969, initially had little affection for the rock. It was originally used as a doorstop in his office, but the athletic department had bigger plans for the stone. On September 24, 1966, they placed it on a pedestal at the top of “The Hill”, the steep hill leading down into Memorial Stadium. The sight of players running down that hill, touching Howard’s Rock before every game, has since become one of the most electrifying moments in college football.
The first game after the rock was placed at its spot on the hill saw Clemson beat Virginia 40-35, and from that day on, the rock took on a life of its own. In 1967, the tradition of players touching Howard’s Rock before their home opener began. The ritual was soon followed by players running down the hill, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for what would become one of the most exciting pregame moments in college football.
The rock became known for its “mystical powers,” a belief that continues to this day. Touching Howard’s Rock has come to symbolize the team’s commitment to the game, the fans, and each other. It’s a moment that brings the entire Clemson family together before every home game, building anticipation for the battle ahead.
Howard’s Rock Today: A Tradition Refined
As the years have passed, the tradition surrounding Howard’s Rock has evolved and expanded. Today, Clemson’s pregame ritual is far more elaborate than it once was. After warmups, Clemson players leave the field and make a private stop to place poker chips into a bucket. Each chip represents a game the player has participated in, signifying that they are “all in” for the game at hand. Coach Dabo Swinney describes this part of the ritual as a demonstration of sacrifice, saying, “The chips say, ‘I’m ready to sacrifice. I’m ready to give a little bit for my brother, give a little to the team.’”
Following this symbolic moment, the team boards three buses—one for the offense, one for defense, and one for special teams. The buses are driven around the stadium to the east end of the field, where images of the team’s arrival are displayed on the video scoreboard. By this point, the crowd is already at a fever pitch, anticipating the moment the players emerge from the bus and take their position around Howard’s Rock.
Once the players gather around the rock, they each take turns touching it before the momentous dash down the hill. The hill itself is steep and tricky, and it’s not uncommon for players to lose their footing as they make the journey to the field. “The problem is people get halfway, and when it goes level, they jump. But, you know, they do a two-foot jump in the air, and it’s a three-foot drop, so it’s really a five-foot jump,” Renfrow said with a laugh. “You’ve got broken ankles, twisted ankles, but it’s all worth it.”
Despite the occasional injury risk, the feeling of pride and unity among the players as they make their way down the hill is unparalleled. It’s an experience that embodies what it means to be a Clemson Tiger—one that players carry with them long after their time at the university.
Comparing Traditions: The ‘Play Like a Champion Today’ Sign at Notre Dame and Oklahoma
While Howard’s Rock has become synonymous with Clemson football, the tradition of touching significant objects before a game is not unique to the Tigers. Notre Dame, for instance, has its own iconic ritual: the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign.
The origins of this sign date back to 1940s Oklahoma, where Hall of Fame coach Bud Wilkinson is believed to have placed the first “Play Like a Champion Today” placard near the locker room. However, it was Notre Dame under coach Lou Holtz in 1986 who made it famous, placing the sign at the top of the stairs leading from the locker room to the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium. Since then, players have slapped the sign before taking the field, a simple but powerful reminder of the team’s commitment and the greatness they strive for every time they step onto the field.
“Every time you touch that sign, you know it’s game time,” said Jaiden Ausberry, a linebacker for Notre Dame. “It definitely means something to tap that sign.” The tradition has become a central part of the Notre Dame mystique, which includes other historic elements like Touchdown Jesus and Knute Rockne’s “Win one for the Gipper” speech.
Though different in style, both Howard’s Rock at Clemson and the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign at Notre Dame share the same essence: they represent the heritage, history, and culture of each program, uniting players and fans in a shared sense of pride.
The Legacy of College Football Traditions
The traditions at schools like Clemson, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma remind us of the deep-rooted connections between college football teams and their fans. These rituals help build a sense of community, history, and continuity that transcends generations. Whether it’s running down a steep hill to touch a mystical rock or slapping a sign that inspires greatness, these traditions add layers of meaning to every game and every season.
For players like Hunter Renfrow, the experience of touching Howard’s Rock before a game is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It’s not just a part of the game; it’s a part of who they are as athletes and as people. It’s a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice required to succeed, and the unbreakable bond between the team, the school, and the fans.
As college football continues to evolve, these cherished totems and traditions will remain at the heart of the sport, preserving the values that make college football one of the most storied and beloved games in the world.
