Though mascots are popping up worldwide, they’re a decidedly North American trend. Around the world, the most popular sports include soccer, rugby, and cricket… but none of the biggest teams have mascots. And if they do, they certainly aren’t traipsing around the sidelines during a live game.
However, things are different for top leagues in the US and Canada, such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and more. They’re home to some of the most vibrant characters in the mascot world—and they are there to add to the entertainment, even when (or especially when) the cards are down for their squad.
Some have been around for over a century, as with the Chicago Cubs’ original bear which was a mounted taxidermy piece. Others are brand new, such as the Cleveland Browns’ new (real) bull mastiff named Swagger Jr., who joined the squad in 2019.
However, age is but a number for top mascots. Keep reading for the inside scoop on some of the most famous mascots in North America. First stop: Pennsylvania.
Heart of Mascots: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a mecca for mascot lovers, especially those who enjoy baseball. It’s home to the Phillie Phanatic (MLB), a giant green monster that harangues fans and losing teams. Aside from being one of the most popular in pro sports, the Phanatic is also the most-sued mascot in history for its cheeky pranks.
Across town, Gritty of the Flyers (NHL) takes things up a notch with a highly active social media account. Like the Phanatic, he’s a cheeky mascot who replicates the latest viral dances and gets wild anytime rivals get the upper hand on the Flyers at home.
Along with a roster of cheeky mascots, Pennsylvania is a sports-lover’s paradise for its elevated betting opportunities. As one of the first US states to launch its betting market, the best betting odds in PA aren’t difficult to find whether online or in-person. In fact, some sportsbooks even offer prop bets that cover mascots for major events.
High-Flying Competitors
Clearly, mascots like the Phanatic and Gritty have made their name from comedy acts. However, not all mascots look to be the funniest in the game—instead, they’re about athletics just like their team.
Jaxson De Ville of the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) might never see his team take home a division title, but fans will at least be treated to high-flying stunts from Jaxson himself. The mascot has dangled from the sky on multiple occasions, jumped from stadium lighting, and more—and yes, he’s failed a stunt or two. Still, he’s the best part about the Jaguars’ franchise.
It’s a similar story for the Raptor of the Toronto Raptors squad (NBA). The Raptor was there to carry his team before they nabbed a 2018 Championship title, including high-flying dunks, risqué dance moves, and plenty of back-flips in his repertoire. Like Jaxson, he’s paid dearly for his athletics
Mascots Out of Left Field
Not every mascot is funny, engaging, or able to dunk a ball when flying from the rafters of a huge arena. Some aren’t even good at rallying fans during live games, instead auguring questions and a few raised brows from the crowd.
Philadelphia may be the capital for mascots, but its cross-state rival, Pittsburgh, has some explaining to do for its Steely McBeam Steelers (NFL) mascot. The human-based mascot has an unsettling expression… which makes sense for a mascot based on a region’s ‘industrial heritage’.
In fact, the human design seems to have been a mistake for multiple teams. The New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) have the King Cake Baby. It’s hard to tell which works least for the scheme: a full plastic design that’s shiny and unnatural, or the mascot’s wide-eyed expression?
Back in Indiana, Purdue University’s choice for its athletic program looks like a horrible combination of the King Cake Baby and Steely McBeam. Purdue Pete’s plastic mask is just as bad as his empty and unsettling eyes.
