Animal-rights organization PETA has urged the Cleveland Browns to end their live mascot tradition following the sudden passing of their sideline dog, Swagger Jr., as announced by the team on Tuesday.
Swagger Jr., a bullmastiff, was only five years old and had served as the Browns’ live mascot for most of his life, succeeding his father, Swagger, who passed away in 2020. Known for his distinct resemblance to the Browns’ logo, Swagger Jr. was a beloved figure on the sidelines.
PETA’s executive vice president, Tracy Reiman, expressed concerns about the health issues associated with breeding bullmastiffs for a specific appearance. “Generations of breeding for a certain look have left bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart issues, among other painful conditions,” Reiman told TMZ Sports. She continued, “(Swagger Jr.’s passing) should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately churns out these doomed breathing-impaired breeds.”
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The Cleveland Browns have not yet announced whether they will continue the live mascot tradition with another dog. Reiman implored the team to consider a more humane alternative, suggesting they “adopt a logo featuring a brown mixed-breed dog from an undoubtedly overwhelmed local animal shelter,” per TMZ.
The cause of Swagger Jr.’s death has not been disclosed by the team. The Cleveland Browns expressed their sorrow on X, posting, “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.”
According to WebMD, bullmastiffs typically have a life expectancy of eight to ten years, highlighting Swagger Jr.’s untimely passing.
Tributes from Browns fans poured in on social media. WWE wrestler Johnny Gargano, a native of Cleveland, shared two videos of his encounters with Swagger Jr. at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Gargano, known for incorporating the Browns’ colors into his t-shirts and gear, posted, “Aw, man.. RIP SJ. Thanks for being the best boy to [wife] Candice [LeRae], [son] Quill [Gargano], and I.”
Olympic Gold medalist Katie Moon also paid tribute, replying to the Browns’ announcement with a teary-eyed emoji, a broken-heart emoji, and a photo of herself with SJ.
Swagger Jr.’s death has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of using live animals as mascots, with PETA’s call to action highlighting the potential health risks and ethical concerns associated with this tradition. As fans and the team mourn the loss of their beloved mascot, the future of the Browns’ mascot tradition remains uncertain.
