The Cleveland Browns are mourning the loss of their beloved mascot, Swagger Jr., who passed away at the young age of 5, the team announced on Tuesday.
Swagger Jr., a Bullmastiff whose appearance mirrored the Browns’ logo, had been an integral part of the team’s identity since 2019, when he took over the role from the original Swagger as the NFL team’s live mascot.
He was a fixture at every home game in Cleveland, thrilling fans as he ran out of the tunnel alongside the players. His presence added a unique element to the team’s gameday experience, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
“We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mascot, SJ,” the Cleveland Browns shared on social media. “We are deeply grateful for his unwavering loyalty and the countless memories he helped create for fans of all ages. He will be sorely missed.”
SJ had been the team’s live mascot since 2019, taking over from the original Swagger.
Tributes poured in from Browns fans and notable figures alike, as they shared their fond memories of Swagger Jr. on social media.
Among them was WWE wrestler Johnny Gargano, a proud Cleveland native, who posted two heartwarming videos of his encounters with Swagger Jr. at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
“RIP SJ,” Gargano wrote. “Thank you for being the best boy to me, Candice, and Quill.”
Olympic Gold medalist Katie Moon also expressed her sorrow, replying to the team’s announcement with a tearful emoji, a broken-heart emoji, and a photo of herself with the beloved mascot.
The news of Swagger Jr.’s passing quickly spread, with the social media post reaching over 150,000 people in just a few hours, a testament to the impact he had on the Browns community.
The Browns are coming off a successful 2023 season, where they reached the Wild Card round of the playoffs with Joe Flacco leading the charge. However, the loss of Swagger Jr. has undoubtedly left a void that will be felt by the entire organization and its dedicated fan base.
