The original sound that inspired the iconic "Who Dey" chant of the Cincinnati Bengals emerged from beer vendors at Riverfront Stadium shouting "Hudy" while selling Hudepohl beer.
The Origins of "Who Dey"
The "Who Dey" chant, famously associated with the Cincinnati Bengals, has roots extending back to the early 1970s. It did not originate as a direct football cheer but rather as a common shout used by concessionaires.
- Hudepohl Brewing's Legacy: Hudepohl Brewing, a long-standing Cincinnati institution since 1885, began selling its beers at Riverfront Stadium in 1970. This was just two seasons after the Cincinnati Bengals' inception into the league.
- The "Hudy" Shout: Vendors selling Hudepohl beer would loudly call out "Hudy!" to attract customers. The pronunciation of "Hudy" was strikingly similar, if not identical, to "Who Dey." This common stadium sound quickly permeated the atmosphere of Bengals games.
Evolution into a Bengals Anthem
Over time, this distinct call transformed from a beer sales pitch into a rallying cry for the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans adopted the phrase, morphing it into a powerful chant that encapsulates team spirit and identity.
Key Milestones in the Chant's History:
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1885 | Hudepohl Brewing established | Founded a prominent Cincinnati brewery, a future staple at local sports venues. |
| 1968 | Cincinnati Bengals inception | Start of the NFL franchise that would later adopt the chant. |
| 1970 | Hudepohl beer sold at Riverfront Stadium | Vendors began shouting "Hudy," laying the phonetic groundwork for the "Who Dey" chant. |
| Early 1970s | "Hudy" evolves into "Who Dey" chant | Fans embrace the sound as a team cheer, making it synonymous with the Cincinnati Bengals. |
The chant is often performed in a call-and-response format, with one side of the stadium shouting "Who Dey!" and the other responding with "Who Dey!," culminating in "Who Dey think gonna beat them Bengals? Nobody!"
For more details on the significance of the "Who Dey" chant to Cincinnati Bengals fans, you can explore resources like this article on what 'Who Dey' means.
