Each U.S. city boasts a unique and vibrant community of football fans, bound together by a passionate love for their team and a set of cherished traditions that have withstood the test of time. Many fan traditions are unique to the individual, but some are shared customs that celebrate spirit and unite fans from coast to coast. From the frozen tundra of Green Bay to the sun-soaked beaches of Miami, we'll shine a spotlight on the top fan traditions that make each city's NFL experience a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Atlanta
Rise-Up Chant - In Atlanta, you’ll hear echoes of the “Rise-Up” chant throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium as fans rally behind the Falcons on gameday. It’s a call to action, inspiring unity and support for the team coming from every seat in the stadium and every corner of Georgia.
Baltimore
“Seven Nation Army” Chant - Fans in Baltimore have many traditions and have adopted the “Seven Nation Army” chant as their own with fans singing the famous guitar riff to help energize the stadium. Ravens players and coaches participate in the Ravens Walk, an interactive process into the stadium with fans. Along the way, they will pay homage to team legends by greeting the statues of Ray Lewis and Johnny Unitas and rubbing their toes to grant the team good luck.
Buffalo
Bills Mafia Tailgates – Buffalo's tailgating culture is legendary, with self-proclaimed Bills Mafia turning their parking areas into one-of-a-kind pregame tailgates. On gameday fans regularly jump through tables to be initiated into Bills Mafia. Without question, the Bills' fanbase brings unmatched energy to gamedays along with some questionable decision making.
Carolina (Charlotte)
Keep Pounding Drum - Their most iconic tradition started in 2012 when fullback Brad Hoover banged on the “keep pounding” drum moments before kickoff in the home opener. It’s been a part of gamedays at Bank Of America Stadium ever since and has come to signify the starting bell of a heavyweight fight each Sunday when it’s time for the Panthers to get locked in and go.
Chicago
Bear Down Chant - In the Windy City, you can always hear Chicago fans shouting the "Bear Down" chant at Soldier Field. Their team mantra is a timeless tradition that echoes the team's rallying cry. Bears fans will passionately repeat the mantra, creating community and unifying gameday spirit.
Cincinnati
Who Dey / Jungle Tailgates – “Who Dey” has proven to be the official rallying cry for Bengals fans and its often accompanied by “Who Dey” Flags and raised fists to show support and unity amongst the Bengals Jungle. Pre-Game tailgating in the Jungle is a vibrant tradition for Bengals fans and you’re likely to hear the Jungle Drumline playing on your way in to get fans excited, fully decked out in Bengal stripes of course.
Cleveland
Dawg Pound Bark - Cleveland is home to the Dawg Pound, a special section in the stadium that is reserved for some of their most passionate fans. The Dawg Pound is most famous for its loud and enthusiastic barking after big plays, which certainly adds a unique flavor to gamedays. Browns fans love to embrace their team's canine-inspired identity and they aren’t afraid to show it or yell it.
Dallas
How Bout Them Boys / Cheerleaders – Cowboy fans support their team with the signature rallying cry of “How ‘Bout Them Boys.” You’ll frequently hear fans yelling it out during key moments in the game or following a big play. The phrase is basically synonymous with Cowboys Pride. Dallas fans also embrace musical elements singing with their own touchdown song and fight song. And we can’t forget to mention the world-famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, who are an iconic part of the gameday experience you can’t miss!
Denver
Mile High Salute - When attending the game in Denver, fans and players connect through the Mile High Salute. Following a touchdown, big play, or victory, players will give the fans the Mile High Salute to celebrate the moment, while also honoring the team’s connection to the military. The name comes from the name of the bronco’s old stadium and it’s a gesture that is meant to express respect and unity.
Detroit
Roar of the Lion / Lion’s Fight Song – When Detroit plays at home, the stadium is so loud that it has its own sound meter to measure the noise. You’ll often hear the Lion’s roar throughout the stadium in support and solidarity of the pride. And of course, the Lions also have their own fight song and fans often get the chance to join in singing during games! In Detroit, Thanksgiving football is also a tradition all its own.
Arizona (Glendale)
Big Red Siren / Great Lawn Tailgate - A favorite gameday tradition in Arizona is to have a fan or celebrity come sounds the big red siren before the game to signal the teams inbound entrance to the field. The Great Lawn was designed specifically as the place for Cardinal Fans to tailgate and serve as the heart and soul of the gameday experience.
Green Bay
Lambeau Leap - There is no NFL tradition more iconic and celebrated than the Lambeau Leap in Green Bay. Following a Home team touchdown, the Green Bay player who scored will leap into the arms of cheering cheese-heads in the back of the end zone. This unique interaction between players and fans creates an even deeper bond between the team and its passionate supporters and shareholders.
Houston
Bulls on Parade, Bullpen – Bulls on Parade has become the adopted rallying cry for Texans fans at key moments during the game or just to show support for the team. The Bull Pen specifically is known to be one of the rowdiest fan sections in football and all fans are actively involved in the gameday environment at Houston games. They chant along with the mascot, cheer with the announcer on first downs, and sing along to “Football Time in Houston” following a touchdown.
Indianapolis
The Anvil - It's important to start a game with a bang. In Indianapolis, fans await the sound of a hammer striking an anvil to get the match going. Sometimes a celebrity or former player strikes the anvil to pump up the crowd even more. The anvil is strong and resilient. It represents all Colts fans and their collective grit, hardworking attitude, and wave to strangers’ good nature.
Jacksonville
Duval Chant - Jacksonville is in Duval County, and fans have adopted "Duval" as a gameday chant, that is often led by a special guest, such as a super fan, past player, or celebrity. The fanbase is often referred to as Duval, which the team uses as its hashtag on social media. The Duval Chant expresses pride in the Jacksonville community and creates a send of camaraderie.
Kansas City
Arrowhead Chop - Before each game in Kansas City, the team announces the game's drum honoree. The special guest hits the stadium's eight-foot-tall drum and then leads the crowd in chants. As the sound of the drum echoes around the stadium, players will storm the field to the deafening roar of the crowd. Throughout the game, you’ll hear the rhythmic “Arrowhead Chop,” helping to create quite an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.
Las Vegas
The Black Hole - The Las Vegas team may be new to the city, but their franchise has quite a history of fan traditions and an unmistakable dress code for their biggest fans. You’ll find them in the Raiders' legendary fan section they call the "The Black Hole.” They will be wearing elaborate costumes, and they will be very intense creating an intimidating and uncomfortable presence in the stands of Allegiant Stadium.
Los Angeles (Rams)
Rams House / Herd Horn - The Rams turn their fan base into a stampede before games, encouraging them to stomp their feet and get loud to pump up the team while shouting their “Rams House” rallying cry. They even have a place to go to specifically learn about Ram’s House Pre-game rituals. On the field, a Herd Horn is used for signaling third downs on defense, and the fourth quarter is when the stadium “awakens the beast” with music and noise to make sure fans are loud to the final whistle.
Los Angeles (Chargers)
Bolt-Up Chant / Thunderbolt – “Bolt-Up” is the standard rallying cry shared between Chargers fans. You’ll often see this chant accompanied with fans raising their arms to mimic a bolt of lightning in support of the team or fans using the Thunderbolt hand gesture to visually express their allegiance.
Miami
Dolphins' Fight Song / Dolphins Call – In 1972, the team had a perfect season, and every touchdown since has led to fans belting out the iconic Dolphins fight song “Miami Dolphins Number One!” Fans frequently also yell out a distinctive “dolphin call” imitation during games to show support for the team and to add a fun, unique touch to the gameday experience.
Minnesota
Skol Chant / Viking Horn - According to Norse legend, the Gjallarhorn will summon the gods to battle at the end of the world, so of course the Vikings have their own version of the legendary horn. At every home game, a guest of honor gets to blow it to start the game. Fans also passionately support their Vikings and celebrate their Norse heritage with their trademark rhythmic “Skol Chant,” a spirit ritual you’ll hear at U.S. Bank Stadium on Gameday.
New England (Foxborough)
End Zone Militia - New England is an area rich with early United States history. A group known as the end zone militia fires a celebratory musket shot after the team scores a touchdown. The members' 18th-century clothing inspires many fans' gameday outfits and adds a historical touch to Game Day. You’ll also hear many Pats fans appreciate their legendary quarterback and coach during the game with chants of “Brady” and “Do Your Job.”
New Orleans
Who Dat - In 1983, a local news broadcast showed a clip of a local high school football chant that opened with “Who Dat?” It became so popular that fans in New Orleans started chanting it at professional sporting events. Since then, the Saints have officially adopted it as a tradition. The “Who Dat” chants that resonate throughout the Superdome embody the collective spirit and unique local flavor of NOLA fans.
New York (Giants)
Hells Bells - Before kickoff at Giants games, the stadium blasts “Hells Bells” by AC/DC throughout the stadium to help get the team and the fanbase pumped and ready for Kickoff. It’s also meant to serve as a soft reminder to their opponent that they are getting ready to send them to a bad place.
New York (Jets)
J-E-T-S - The Jet fans bring the energy and keep it simple during the game with a time-tested chant that has fans spelling the team’s name, and then shouting the full name. You’ll hear the rhythmic chanting of “J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets” at MetLife stadium before they even take the field. There’s not a New York fan in the house that doesn’t join in to support their team.
Philadelphia
The Eagles Fight Song - The very catchy Eagles' fight song, "Fly Eagles Fly," is the Philly gameday anthem that echoes throughout Lincoln Financial Field and South Philly after every touchdown. Eagles fans know all the words and passionately sing and celebrate their team's success, creating an electric atmosphere and strong community amongst the birds.
Pittsburgh
The Terrible Towel - Pittsburgh’s enduring symbol of Steeler’s fandom is of course the Terrible Towel. Fans twirl their yellow towels in unison in the stands, creating quite a visual spectacle at Heinz Field. The Terrible Towel is a symbol of Pittsburgh pride and a reminder of the team's long history of success and their commitment to excellence.
San Francisco
Foghorn and “The Catch” - Fog is common in San Francisco Bay, where fog horns along the coast traditionally were used to protect ships. In honor of the city's past, the stadium sounds its own foghorn prior to each game. You’ll also see the faithful at Levi's Stadium paying homage to the team by reenacting Joe Montana’s famous "The Catch" during tailgates and celebrations to connect fans to the franchise's storied history.
Seattle
12th Man - Seattle fans are known for their thunderous “12th man” support as Seahawks fans at CenturyLink Field, regularly making the stadium shake with noise. You’ll often see Seattle fans wearing a “12th man” jersey on game day to symbolize the fans’ integral role in the team’s success. Hawks fans know what they are doing, and their stadium is commonly regarded as the most difficult place to play as an away team.
Tampa Bay
Cannon Fire / Pirate Ship - Tampa fans know how to celebrate a touchdown. Their stadium has a pirate ship featuring celebratory cannons that fire when the team scores. Fans eagerly await the cannons firing, with the number of shots matching how many points were scored. The booming sound always energizes the crowd and ties into the team’s unforgiving, swashbuckling spirit.
Tennessee (Nashville)
TITAN-UP Chant – When it comes to supporting the Titans, there is only one cheer you absolutely need to know and that is TITAN-UP. What originally began as a 4th quarter rallying cry has become the standard mantra for Titans Fans. Typically, when you talk about the team with other fans, the conversation will always end with the phrase “TITAN-UP.” On Game Day, fans bring out their lucky blue shirts, socks, shoes, underwear, and hats in support of their team creating a visual blue wave in the stands.
Washington, D.C.
Major Tuddy - The team formerly known as the Redskins recently underwent a rebranding that changed the team’s name to the Washington Commanders and the team mascot to a hog wearing a Commanders uniform, named Major Tuddy. With the changes, new traditions are still being created, but the classic “Hail to the Redskins” fight song remains a cherished tradition and you’re still likely to run into some hogs around the stadium.