Cleveland Browns helmet (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
For the second time in four years, the Cleveland Browns are mourning the loss of their mascot.
The Cleveland Browns are heartbroken to learn that their live mascot, Swagger Jr., has passed away.
He was just five years old.
The Browns announced the passing of Swagger Jr. on social media, while thanking him for his years of support to the team, stating, “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.”
Swagger Jr. was born in 2018 and took over on the Browns’ sidelines in 2020 after his father, Swagger, passed away at age six in 2020. The first dog died after suffering from cancer and a stroke, per TMZ.
This was incredibly hurtful for the Cleveland Browns as they announced Swagger’s retirement in October 2019.
No cause of death has been announced for Swagger Jr.
Daddy Swagger ran out for the final time on October 13th, 2019, and the son took over duties in November of that year.
The Cleveland Browns have not stated whether they plan to bring in another dog or keep the tradition alive going forward. Since these two deaths happened so close together, they may choose to discontinue it altogether.
Cleveland Browns Looking To Rebound In 2024
The Browns had quite the year in 2023 as the team kept winning games even though starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was ruled out for the season.
Joe Flacco had the team finishing 11-6 and getting to the postseason to play the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. Unfortunately, their good times ended with a blowout loss.
Now Watson is healthy, and the team is hoping he can play well enough to have this team make a deeper playoff run.
