J. Robert Cade Biography

Dr. Cade was a nephrologist who invented Gatorade starting a multi-billion dollar market in sports and energy drinks. As of last year about 12 million bottles of Gatorade were consumed a day, and Gatorade led the industry with a net worth of $19 billion. Cade created the drink to rehydrate athletes and replenish carbohydrates. His product was first used at a 1965 University of Florida football game against Louisiana State University. The Gators, after whom the drink was named, were victorious while L.S.U. wilted in the second half from temperatures reaching 102 degrees. In 1969, the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs attributed the team's Super Bowl title to Gatorade. Gatorade was endorsed by Michael Jordan and became the official Super Bowl beverage.