The Commanders unveiled a “hog-themed mascot” named Major Tuddy at halftime Sunday during their 24-10 loss to the Browns, and it drew a "lukewarm reaction from the crowd,” according to Matthew Paras of the WASHINGTON TIMES. An ode to Washington’s dominant offensive line that went by the “Hogs” during their three Super Bowl run, Tuddy, “a shortened version of touchdown,” is the Commanders’ “first official mascot in franchise history.” The Commanders “attempted to make a show of their mascot reveal.” For Sunday’s game, the team brought back many of the members who made up the Hogs -- as well as the Hogettes, “die-hard fans who famously dressed up in dresses, pig snouts, floppy hats and blonde wigs.” And HOF coach Joe Gibbs “even made an appearance, serving as the team’s honorary captain at kickoff.” As fans walked through the gates, the team “handed out rubber pig snouts for them to wear” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 1/1).
HERE TO STAY: NBC SPORTS’s Ethan Cadeaux noted the announcement “concluded a several-month process where fans had the chance to vote for their favorite option.” Cadeaux noted Hog “always seemed the most natural and obvious choice for Washington's mascot.” The mascot reveal “does not come without controversy.” Three former members of the ‘Hogs’ and two of their teammates Joe Jacoby, Mark May and Fred Dean as well as FB John Riggins and TE Rick “Doc” Walker -- formed the group O-Line Entertainment LLC, “which threatened legal action against the team.” With the official announcement of Hog as the team's mascot, “the original Hogs' legacy is here to stay” (NBCSPORTS.com, 1/1).
