The Mississippi State University bulldog mascot holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and fans of the university. The bulldog, affectionately known as Bully, has become an iconic symbol of the university's spirit, determination, and fierce competitive nature. Bully has been the official live mascot of Mississippi State since 1935 when the first English bulldog was selected to represent the university. Since then, there have been several beloved Bully mascots, each serving as a proud ambassador for the university. The current Bully, Bully XXI, took over the role in 2015 after the retirement of Bully XX. He can often be seen leading the pregame festivities at football games, thrilling the crowd with his energy and enthusiasm.

Mississippi State’s new English Bulldog mascot is named after Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

He can often be seen leading the pregame festivities at football games, thrilling the crowd with his energy and enthusiasm. Bully is also a regular attendee at university events, parades, and other Bulldog-related activities, bringing joy and excitement to everyone he encounters. The selection of the bulldog as the university's mascot reflects the attributes Mississippi State prides itself on.

Dak will begin his new role at halftime of Mississippi State’s spring game in April.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) laughs with fellow quarterback Cooper Rush (10) during the fourth quarter of their Wild Card Playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, January 16, 2023. The Cowboys won, 31-14. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)

10:06 PM on Mar 22, 2023 CDT

As time passes, Dak Prescott’s impact on his alma mater remains.

During his time at Mississippi State, Prescott became one of the university’s most well-known players. He owns 38 school records and created countless memories by leading the program to its first-ever No. 1 AP ranking in 2014. On Wednesday, the university announced that it would name its new English Bulldog mascot after the Cowboys quarterback.

Mississippi State has introduced its next mascot, @BullyXXII, who was named "@dak" after Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.

Prescott played for MSU from 2011-15, and led the Bulldogs to their first-ever No. 1 ranking in 2014.

The English Bulldog, also known as Bully XXII, will begin his new role at halftime of Mississippi State’s spring game on April 15. Dak the dog’s predecessor was named Jak.

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A statement from the university details Dak’s origins, which include being the smallest of his litter.

“We love sharing ‘Dak’ with MSU’s fans and friends, but we likewise want him to have some quiet time to rest and spend time with us,” Dak’s owner Bruce Martin said in the statement. “We are committed to giving ‘Dak’ a balanced, happy life – and for him to enjoy his time as Bully.”

When he isn’t pumping up the atmosphere in Starkville, Dak will live with his family at a farm in Meridian, Mississippi.

Auburn player slides into Bully, Mississippi State’s live bulldog mascot, after scoring touchdown

There are few things in college sports better than live mascots, but being a live mascot on the sidelines can be a dangerous thing. On Saturday night, Mississippi State’s bulldog mascot, Bully, found himself in harm’s way early in a road game at Auburn.

Auburn running back JaTarvious Whitlow took off on a 30-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage for the Tigers. But as he made his way across the goal line, he began to slide out of bounds. Standing innocently enough in the line of fire was Bully and Bully’s equally unaware handler.

Fortunately, other than Bully looking a bit shaken in the immediate reaction, there didn’t seem to be too much damage. But just to make sure, Bully was removed from the sideline and taken to a safe location where there were hopefully some good dog treats and chew toys waiting.

While college football fans went into panic mode wondering how this good boy was doing, Bully made sure to tweet and let everyone know he was doing just fine.

What is it with Auburn football players and dogs? In 1996, Auburn wide receiver Robert Baker was nearly on the receiving end of a chomp from Georgia’s Uga V.

And in 2007, Auburn defensive back Jerraud Powers was bitten by a police dog in the back of the end zone in a game against Alabama.

It has been a tough year for bulldog mascots in the SEC in general. During last season’s Sugar Bowl, Georgia’s Uga got a rude hello from Bevo, the live longhorn mascot of Texas.

The moral of the story? If you’re going to bring your dog to the game, be aware of your surroundings.

Bulldogs are known for their tenacity, strength, and loyalty. These qualities resonate with the university's students and alumni, who consider themselves just as tenacious, strong-willed, and dedicated in their pursuit of success. Bully is not only a symbol of school spirit but also serves as a rallying point for the Mississippi State community. He fosters a sense of unity and pride among students, alumni, and fans, creating a bond that extends beyond the football field or the basketball court. The impact of the bulldog mascot is not limited to the Mississippi State community alone. Bully is recognized nationwide as one of the most recognizable and beloved college mascots. In fact, the university was even featured on an ESPN documentary that highlighted the unique relationship between Mississippi State and its mascot. In conclusion, the Mississippi State University bulldog mascot holds great significance for the university and its community. Bully represents the spirit, determination, and competitiveness that define Mississippi State and its students. Whether on the field or in the stands, Bully brings joy, excitement, and a sense of unity to all who encounter him..

Reviews for "MSU Bulldog Mascot Traditions: Carrying on the Legacy of Spirit and Pride"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the MSU bulldog mascot. It lacks creativity and originality. It's just another generic bulldog costume like you would see at any other school. The design is outdated and doesn't represent the spirit and energy of the school. I feel like the mascot could have been so much more memorable and iconic. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the MSU bulldog mascot.

2. Mike - 2 stars - As an alumni of MSU, I expected the bulldog mascot to be something special, but I was let down. The costume feels cheaply made and lacks attention to detail. The mascot's movements feel stiff and robotic, taking away from the excitement of seeing a live mascot in action. I think MSU should consider revamping their bulldog mascot to make it more engaging and reflective of the school's spirit and personality. Overall, I found the MSU bulldog mascot to be disappointing.

3. Emily - 1 star - The MSU bulldog mascot is a complete letdown. It lacks personality and charm. When I saw it at a game, it didn't do much to energize the crowd or create a fun atmosphere. The costume looks outdated and unappealing. It's definitely not something that would make me excited to support MSU. I hope the university considers reimagining their mascot to create something more appealing and captivating. The current bulldog mascot falls flat in every aspect.

4. Josh - 2 stars - The MSU bulldog mascot is a missed opportunity. It lacks creativity and fails to capture the essence of the school's spirit. The design is basic and unimpressive. It's just another stereotypical bulldog costume that you see at every other school. I was hoping for a mascot that would stand out and be memorable, but unfortunately, that's not the case with the MSU bulldog. I believe the university should invest in creating a mascot that truly represents the excitement and energy of MSU.

The MSU Bulldog Mascot's Impact on Recruiting and Retaining Student-Athletes