A tradition unlike anything else in college football. Before every Clemson home game, the Tigers rub Howard's Rock before running down The Hill and into Death Valley. Whether you are watching it all unfold in person or on TV, the anticipation that comes from this marquee college football spectacle is what the sport is all about. College sports do not have to make sense, so this is perfect for Clemson.
What is the significance of Howard's Rock? Well, it all starts with the man, the myth, the legend that is Frank Howard. The iconic former Clemson head coach was gifted this particular rock "by a friend who picked it up in Death Valley, California." It has been placed atop the pedestal it sits on for 60 years. Rubbing the rock, where this site gets its name from, supposedly gives the players "mystical powers".
In the years since Howard retired from coaching, Clemson players rub his rock as a sign of good luck. It has become synonymous with winning. Whether it has been under Danny Ford, Tommy Bowden, Dabo Swinney, or any number of coaches in between. It helps mentally prepare the players to go into battle in the Valley of Death. Of the many kinds of pageantry and tradition, this one does cut through.
In a way, rubbing Howard's Rock symbolizes how far Clemson athletics have come in half a century.
Why rubbing Howard's Rock is one of college football's best traditions
While every college football program has traditions its fan base knows and loves, there is just something about the ambience of it all with Clemson. The players take buses around the stadium to the side of the field where Howard's Rock and The Hill are located on in and around Death Valley. The build-up is next level. You can feel the tension in the air, knowing their opposition will have no chance.
One by one, the Clemson football players take their turn rubbing the rock before running down The Hill into Death Valley. It just kind of encapsulates what having a home-field advantage is all about. In a way, each and every part of this sequence builds upon itself. Once it is time to go, Memorial Stadium becomes Death Valley and erupts like a volcano. The fans are what make this environment so special.
The beautiful part of this tradition is the unintended, organic nature of it all. Howard was given this rock by a friend over half a century ago. In the years since, it has become synonymous with Clemson football, Clemson athletics, and Clemson University across the board. Others try to replicate things like this, but most pale in comparison. It is about being 100 percent yourself, which is Clemson to a T.
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So while there are other traditions out there to be had, Clemson football players and staff rubbing Howard's Rock has clearly stood the test of time. In a way, this rock has been there to see it all, not just all the great games that have been played in Death Valley over the years, but actually being in Death Valley prior to relocating. The climate may be different, but the vibes could not be any better.
Rubbing Howard's Rock is the one Clemson tradition that ties everything for the program together.
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