Victors get the cigars. That’s what it’s been like on the third Saturday in October every year when Alabama and Tennessee face off against each other. And post-game, with cigars burning on the sidelines, the smoke puffs fill the stadium, adding another joyous intrigue to the roaring celebration. But reporter Molly McGrath might have ruined her clothes.

McGrath is the sideline reporter for ESPN. She covered the Tennessee vs. Bama game at Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Bama won 37-20, and then, it was time for the annual highly awaited cigar tradition to begin. Although against NCAA rules, which prohibit tobacco products, but traditions are sacred, aren’t they?

“My clothes smell like cigar…not mad about it 💨,” Rowe shared on Instagram. Well, if 100,000 fans at the Bryant-Denny Stadium lit up their cigar, the whole atmosphere would burn with spicy tobacco notes. The long-lasting tradition dates back to the 1960s, during the tenure of the legend Paul W. “Bear” Bryant. But it wasn’t the legend himself or a player who began this tradition, but rather a former Bama athletic trainer, Jim Goostre.

The 1961 Alabama vs. Tennessee matchup witnessed a 34-3 win for the Crimson Tide. To mark the joyous occasion, Goostre passed out cigars to the players. And since then, it has become the identity for the long-held rivalry, becoming one of those elements that players keenly look forward to.

“Every football player I’ve ever talked to has always talked about how one of their favorite moments as an athlete here was smoking a cigar after they beat Tennessee,” said Reagan Starner of R&R Cigars.

What makes it more iconic is the fact that it is the only game in college football with its dedicated cigars, produced by R&R Cigars.  At Knoxville, the Nashville-based Ozgener Family Cigars were provided during the Vols’ 2022 win. Meanwhile, at Tuscaloosa, it’s the R&R Cigars (since the mid-2010s)

Every year, they see spikes in demand, striving to preserve the long-held tradition. “Seeing through the years the pictures of, you know, Derrick Henry smoking my cigar with Nick Saban,” he added. Although Saban doesn’t smoke cigars. “I don’t even smoke it,” QB Ty Simpson said, donning his best Saban impression, per Tuscaloosa News. “I just let it sit in my mouth.” Adding to that, even Simpson does not smoke, nor does linebacker Yhonzae Pierre.

However, Bama’s locker room was lit on Saturday.

Alabama locker room lights up (with cigars)

The cigar tradition might be the most fun activity post-game, but not every player can stomach the sharp taste of the tobacco product. Zabein Brown, the sophomore cornerback who registered a 99-yard interception return, had a hard time getting accustomed to the acrid taste.

“I almost threw up,” said the cornerback, per Tuscaloosa News. He barely took a couple of puffs as he waited for his cigar to burn down before tossing it in the trash. After witnessing Brown’s reaction, Simpson did not seem too eager to give the cigars a try. Though he put the cigar in his mouth, following in the footsteps of the former legend. “I am definitely keeping it for a while,” he added.

On the other hand, wide receiver Ryan Williams admitted that it’s fun, but he is not very good at it. Although not everyone on the roster had a hard time smoking a cigar. Sophomore running back Daniel Hill shared that his first puff was fun, and he looks forward to next year for more cigar puffs and future victories. Presently, Alabama leads the winning streak, with 42-19-2.

One thing is for sure: college football traditions never disappoint.