Bird mascots are a common sight in the National Football League (NFL). Many teams have selected bird-themed mascots to represent their franchise and create a unique identity. These mascots often have a strong regional significance and resonate with the fan base. One of the most iconic bird mascots in the NFL is the Philadelphia Eagles' Swoop. Swoop is a bald eagle and is known for his high-flying antics before and during games. As the symbol of freedom and strength, the eagle is a fitting mascot for the team.
NFL: Cat Teams vs. Bird Teams
One of the underrated NFL rivalries of all time is waged between cat teams & bird teams. The Bengals, Panthers, Lions, & Jaguars share a common bond as fellow cat teams of the NFL. Their team logos are represented by a particular species of cat, and their mascots are cats too. The Cardinals, Ravens, Eagles, Falcons & Seahawks are known as the bird teams of the NFL. Taima, the Seahawks live bird mascot, does a great job of representing the spirit of bird teams. Let’s take a look at the current season’s series history between these groups of iconic contenders.
By the Numbers
- Bird teams (7-4) lead the season series vs. cat teams
- The Bengals are a cat team best 1-0 vs. bird teams
- The Eagles are a bird team best 2-0 vs. cat teams
- The Jaguars are a cat team worst 0-3 vs. bird teams
- The Cardinals are a bird team worst 1-2 vs. cat teams
Takeaways
It’s surprising that the bird teams are winning this season’s series, given that their combined record is only 35-33. Cat teams have an abysmal 17-38 combined record though, which is mostly due to the Jaguars & Lions being awful teams. Cat teams have outscored the NFL’s best bird team (Cardinals) 83-53 in head-to-head games too, which is pretty impressive. Meanwhile, the Eagles have outscored the Panthers & Lions by 41 points (65-24) head-to-head!
- Ravens @ Bengals (Week 16)
- Lions @ Falcons (Week 16)
- Lions @ Seahawks (Week 17)
The Bottom Line
What’s the meaning behind this analysis? The truth is that there isn’t really any meaning behind it, but this was a fun little exercise nonetheless. I will say though that the cat-bird team matchup between the Bengals & Ravens this coming weekend could decide the AFC North. Tough draw for the Lions too, as their season ends with road games against the Falcons & Seahawks (both bird teams) before playing the Packers. Several cat teams are in position for a top pick in this year’s draft, including the Lions & Jaguars competing for the 1st overall selection. Meanwhile, a few bird teams (Cardinals, Ravens, Eagles) are in this year’s playoff conversation.
Big Red – Arizona Cardinals
It’s time to present you one of the sport’s most iconic mascots: the Big Red, an official mascot of the Arizona Cardinals. The iconic bird has been with us since October 4, 1998, when the team management decided the fans needed a little oomph to better their experience at the stadium.
They weren’t wrong at all.
Big Red is the integral part of every Arizona Cardinals home game at the State Farm Stadium. The extremely tall bird with impressive wingspan of 7 feet is known for the way he riles up the public to stand behind his team – the oldest football team in America, if you must know. The original team was founded in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club, with the Bidwill family owning the franchise since 1932. That’s plenty of history, especially for this sport.
He has been with the team in times good and bad. It’s perhaps best to consider the good times, namely the high (or low – if you’re the on the glass-half-empty kind) point for the team – Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, when the Cardinals went against the Pittsburgh Steelers, against which they ultimately lost. But it doesn’t matter, as we’re sure he did his best for the team.
The daunting job of a mascot even includes hobnobbing with the press to get on their good side. Big Red is also considered as the 9 th best mascot in the NFL, at least according to Simon Chester of Steelers Wire. That has to count for something, right? At least we think so. A well-deserved accolade.
Of course, as with most mascots, the Big Red can also be booked to appear at various charity events or even parties. He does often appear on his own volition at various schools and participates in several educational programs all over Phoenix.
As the symbol of freedom and strength, the eagle is a fitting mascot for the team. Swoop is a beloved figure among Eagles fans and is often seen interacting with the crowd and creating a lively atmosphere. Another well-known bird mascot is the Seattle Seahawks' Blitz.
Pages
- 5 Most Interesting Summer Olympics Mascots
- 5 Most Interesting Winter Olympics Mascots
- MLB Mascots
- Bernie Brewer – Milwaukee Brewers
- Billy the Marlin – Miami Marlins
- Chicago White Sox Mascots
- Cincinnati Reds Mascots
- Clark – Chicago Cubs
- D. Baxter the Bobcat – MLB Diamondbacks
- Dinger – Colorado Rockies
- Fredbird – St Louis Cardinals
- Homer the Brave – Atlanta Braves
- Lou Seal – San Francisco Giants
- Mariner Moose – Seattle Mariners
- New York Yankees Mascots
- Oakland Athletics – Stomper
- Orbit – Houston Astros
- Paws – Detroit Tigers
- Philie Phanatic – Philadelphia Phillies
- Pirate Parrot – PIttsburgh Pirates
- Rally Monkey – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Slider – Cleveland Indians
- Sluggerrr – Kansas City Royals
- Swinging Friar – San Diego Padres
- T.C. Bear – Minnesota Twins
- Tampa Bay Rays – Raymond
- Tessie & Wally – Boston Red Sox
- Texas Rangers – Rangers Captain
- The Oriole Bird – Baltimore Orioles
- Toronto Blue Jays Mascots
- Washington Nationals – Screech
- Benny the Bull – Chicago Bulls
- Blaze the Trail Cat – Portland Trail Blazers Mascot
- Boomer the Panther – Indiana Pacers
- Brooklyn Nets Mascots
- Chuck the Condor – LA Clippers
- Clutch the Bear – Houston Rockets
- Franklin the Dog – Philadelphia 76ers
- Grizz – Memphis Grizzlies
- Harry the Hawk – Atlanta Hawks
- Hugo – Charlotte Hornets
- Lucky the Leprechaun – Boston Celtics
- Rumble the Bison – Oklahoma City Thunder
- Stuff the Magic Dragon – Orlando Magic
- The Gorilla – Phoenix Suns Mascot
- Big Red – Arizona Cardinals
- Freddie the Falcon – Atlanta Falcons
- Hub Meeds, Viktor & Ragnar the Viking – Minnesota Vikings
- Carlton the Bear – Toronto Maple Leafs
- Detroit Red Wings – Al the Octopus
- New York Rangers Mascot
- Philadelphia Flyers Mascot – Gritty
- The Pittsburgh Penguins Mascots: From Pete to Iceburgh
Pro Sports Teams with Bird Mascots Stats
Blitz, a large and intimidating seahawk, is known for his energetic personality and entertaining antics. The seahawk represents the spirit of the Pacific Northwest and is a perfect symbol for the team. Blitz is a cherished figure among Seahawks fans and adds excitement to game days. The Atlanta Falcons also have a bird-themed mascot named Freddie Falcon. Freddie is a friendly and energetic falcon who interacts with fans and performs entertaining routines during games. The falcon represents speed and agility, qualities that the team strives for on the field. Freddie Falcon is a popular figure among Falcons fans and is a source of pride for the franchise. Other bird mascots in the NFL include the Arizona Cardinals' Big Red, the Baltimore Ravens' Poe, and the San Francisco 49ers' Sourdough Sam, who has a gold miner theme. Each of these mascots adds character to their respective teams and helps create a vibrant game-day experience for fans. Bird mascots in the NFL play an important role in promoting team spirit and rallying the crowd. They serve as ambassadors for the franchise and contribute to the overall fan experience. Whether it's soaring through the stadium or engaging with fans, these mascots bring a unique energy to NFL games..
Reviews for "Avian Agility: The Athleticism of Bird Mascots in the NFL"
1. John Smith - 1 star
I really don't understand the point of having bird mascots in the NFL. It just seems silly and doesn't add anything to the game. I feel like it takes away from the seriousness and intensity of the sport. I would much rather see fierce and intimidating mascots that represent strength and power. Birds just don't cut it for me.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars
I personally find bird mascots in the NFL to be quite lackluster. The concept feels repetitive and unoriginal. It's not that I have anything against birds, but when it comes to sports, I expect mascots that bring energy and excitement. Birds just don't fit that image for me. I think the NFL could do better in incorporating more dynamic and engaging mascots that truly capture the spirit of the game.
3. Michael Thompson - 1 star
Bird mascots in the NFL are just plain boring. I mean, how are fans supposed to get excited about seeing a someone dressed up as a bird running around the field? It's not intimidating or intense at all. I think the NFL should consider reevaluating their mascot choices and opt for something more impactful and captivating. Birds just don't cut it in terms of bringing the energy and enthusiasm that fans expect from the game.
4. Emily Davis - 2 stars
I don't hate bird mascots in the NFL, but I do find them a bit unremarkable. They don't really stand out or leave a lasting impression. When I think of mascots, I want to see something that sparks excitement and joy, something that brings the fans together. Birds just don't have that effect on me. I think the NFL could benefit from exploring more creative and attention-grabbing mascot options to enhance the overall game experience.
Feathers and Football: The Connection Between Bird Mascots and the NFL