06/07/2025
Tonight's bridal party made their grand entrance to "Renegade" by Styx. For those in the know, the song has great significance for Pittsburgh Steelers fans.
The lore surrounding the song and its use by the Steelers began on January 5, 2002 during a playoff game against Cleveland. The Browns held a 17-7 halftime lead. By the beginning of the second half they stretched it out to 24-7.
The Steelers were lagging. Their offense was stagnant, as their only points came on an Antwaan Randle El punt return for a touchdown. Their offense stalled again and was forced to punt. During the commercial break, the crew at JumboTron control made a choice that forever changed Pittsburgh history.
As the slow, melodic intro echoed out across the depressed fans, everyone felt the sense of failure. Even the music controller gave up. 45 seconds later, the atmosphere changed. The screams of the song gave fans a needed wake up call, and the stadium became alive with excitement.
The crowd was back in the game, and the team responded. Their defense stopped the Browns. Tommy Maddox followed by leading a 66-yard drive to pay dirt to cut the lead to 24-14.
Pittsburgh ousted Cleveland 22-9 in the fourth quarter. The final quarter was capped off by Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala’s touchdown run and Randle El’s pass to Jerame Tuman for the two-point conversion.
Now, during the third quarter of every Steelers home game, a video compilation of defensive plays are shown with the utter rocking of "Renegade" playing in the background.
Tonight's bride is a devout Steelers fan, so for the bridal party entrance, wedding guests were given a rally towel to swing high in the air as the bridal party was introduced. In fairness, guests were given a choice of rally towels with a sign that acknowledged a house divided.
Yours truly chose the orange and brown. I will forever be a Cleveland fan. Even when it hurts (which it often does).