Cleveland Browns’ beloved mascot, Swagger Jr., dies at age of 5

Beloved Cleveland Browns mascot Swagger Jr. has passed away at age 5, the team announced on Tuesday. 

Swagger Jr. had been the team’s mascot since 2019, taking over for the original Swagger as the NFL team’s live mascot. 

The reason for his passing is unknown, and the Browns have not immediately announced plans for who, if anyone, will be the next good boy or girl in line. 

Swagger Jr. was a Bullmastiff that resembled the Browns’ logo, who was part of every home game in Cleveland, running out of the tunnel like the rest of the team’s roster. 

‘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,’ the Cleveland Browns posted on X. 

Tributes poured in for Swagger Jr from Browns fans on social media. 

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WWE wrestler Johnny Gargano posted two videos of him with Swagger Jr. at Cleveland Browns Stadium. 

Gargano is notoriously from Cleveland and has incorporated the Browns’ colors into his t-shirts and gear. 

‘Aw, man.. RIP SJ,’ Gargano posted on X. ‘Thanks for being the best boy to (wife) Candice (LeRae), (son) Quill (Gargano), and I.’

Olympic Gold medalist Katie Moon posted a reply to the message of his passing with a teary-eyed emoji, a broken-heart emoji and a photo of her with SJ. 

The message on X of SJ’s passing was viewed by over 150,000 people within a few hours. 

The Browns had an impressive 2023 season, reaching the Wild Card round of the playoffs with Joe Flacco at quarterback.