Gator Chomp

The Gator Chomp is a nationally recognized gesture made by fans of the University of Florida to show their support of the Florida Gators. The Gator Chomp is done by fully extending one's arms, one over the other, in front of the body with the palms facing each other. The arms are then moved apart and together to symbolize an alligator's mouth. This gesture is often a way to jeer at opposing players and fans.

The Gator Chomp typically accompanies a band-led performance of the theme from Jaws. The "Gator Jaws" cheer was first performed by the University of Florida Fightin' Gator Marching Band at an October 10, 1981 home football game versus the University of Maryland. Fans spontaneously performed what would become known as the Gator Chomp in time with the music.

When the Gator Chomp is used mockingly by players from opposing teams, it has been said to curse the team using it. One of the most famous examples was in 1997, when Sebastian Janikowski performed the Gator Chomp after kicking a field goal to put Florida State ahead of Florida 29-25 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Moments later, Florida drove down the field and scored in just three plays to win 32-29 and knock Florida State out of their #1 national ranking.

Gator Chomp in media

On the game show "Duel", contestant and University of Florida graduate Ashlee Register can be seen doing the Gator Chomp when she got on stage or when her opponent got an answer wrong and was eliminated from the game, and again when she won the last game in the finals, in which every contestant not at the main game table did as well to join in on her victory celebration. She later went on to win $1,795,000 in the final game, which made her the highest female game show money winner in the US.

References

*cite book |title=Saturdays at the Swamp |author=Danforth, Glenn |publisher=Sports Publishing LLC |year=2004 |isbn= 1582611130