The Cleveland Browns are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, and a big part of that tradition is the team mascot, SJ the Bullmastiff, leading the team onto the field in home games.
SJ carried on a legacy left by his father and the rest of his bloodline, and unfortunately, the team had to share some awful news today regarding their furry friend.
The Browns’ official X account announced that SJ has sadly passed away after five years of leading the Browns into battle, saying “We are so grateful for his many years of loyal support and cherish all of the wonderful memories he helped create for fans young and old.”
We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mascot, SJ. We are so grateful for his many years of loyal support and cherish all of the wonderful memories he helped create for fans young and old. pic.twitter.com/bQ6c6HiuA7
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 2, 2024
SJ took over as the team’s official live mascot in 2019 for his father, Swagger, who began his reign as the mascot in 2014.
Swagger Jr. will forever live on in the hearts of Browns fans and became a cultural icon all the while turning Terrible Towels into chew toys.
His father was the team’s first live mascot, and it remains to be seen who will succeed SJ in leading the team onto the field.
SJ went out with a bang, as the Browns had an incredible 11-6 season last year despite cycling through five starting quarterbacks before unfortunately falling short in the first round of the playoffs.
Whoever is next in line to the throne will have big shoes to fill, and the Browns will hopefully make SJ proud next season by ensuring they all have that dawg in them.
