Origin of football slogans

Following Alabama’s victory against Auburn 29 to 13 in the 80th annual Iron Bowl, some fans are left scratching their heads about what the famous slogans Roll Tide and War Eagle actually mean and the origin of them.

There is little evidence of why Crimson Tide fans chant “Roll Tide” but speculation points to an old civil war shanty titled “Roll Alabama Roll.” It was based on the story of the CSS Alabama and its journey before being sunk by the USS Kearsarge in 1864. Alabama’s nickname, the “Crimson Tide,” likely has to do with the slogan as well. The nickname can be traced back to a former writer of the Birmingham Age-Herald, Hugh Roberts, after describing Alabama as the Crimson Tide after a game against Auburn in 1907.

The War Eagle origin also has links to the Civil War. During the first meeting between Auburn and Georgia in 1892, a Civil War veteran attended the historic game. With him that day was his pet eagle which he had befriended on the battlefield and kept for nearly 30 years. According to witnesses that day, the eagle took flight and circled the field several times as Auburn had scored and won the game. Spectators then started chanting “War Eagle!” Once the game concluded the eagle was had said to take a unfortunate dive, crashing into the ground and perishing.

As these stories have obvious flaws they may give us fans a look into our beloved team’s storied past. Alabama will play Florida for the SEC Championship this Saturday, as Auburn will have to wait to discover what bowl game they will play in later this year.