Bengals Troll Steelers with 'Renegade' After Nail-Biting Win, Await Playoff Fate
The Cincinnati Bengals had some fun at the Pittsburgh Steelers' expense after their 19-17 victory on Saturday night. Now, they’ll wait to see if their playoff hopes become a reality.
Following their win at Acrisure Stadium, the Bengals celebrated in the visiting locker room by blasting Renegade by Styx. While post-game celebrations with music are common, choosing Renegade was a deliberate jab at the Steelers.
For over two decades, Renegade has been a Steelers tradition, dating back to its debut during a 2002 playoff game against the Cleveland Browns. Played in the fourth quarter of home games, it’s meant to fire up Pittsburgh fans and rally the team.
In recent years, however, opposing teams have turned the tradition on its head, using the iconic song to poke fun at the Steelers. Some players have even noted that Renegade seems to energize both teams rather than giving Pittsburgh a distinct edge.
As a divisional rival, the Bengals’ choice of post-game anthem was hardly surprising. However, for the win to translate into a playoff berth, Cincinnati will need losses from both the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins in their respective season finales.
For now, the Bengals’ celebration strikes the perfect note of rivalry—and hope.