Browns Mascot 'Swagger' Sadly Passes Away After Battle With Cancer
By Sean Facey
A valiant battle has come to a heartbreaking conclusion in the football world.
After bravely fighting against cancer for the past year, Cleveland Browns mascot Swagger, the leader of the team's famous "Dawg Pound," has passed away.
We’re heartbroken by the passing of our beloved mascot, Swagger.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 7, 2020
As a constant presence on gameday and the leader of the Dawg Pound, Swagger was a proud member of our team for 6 seasons. RIP. ?
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Swagger, a bull mastiff, was the team's mascot for six seasons, overseeing one of the most tumultuous eras in Browns football. He was there when the Browns narrowly avoided going 0-16 in 2016, and he was there when they accomplished the dubious feat the very next year.
He also bore witness to a potential revelation for the franchise when they drafted Baker Mayfield, who guided the team to a 7-8-1 record in his rookie year, the best season during Swagger's tenure as mascot.
Browns mascot Swagger the dog dies at 6 https://t.co/VMJuxeDMaL
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 7, 2020
What a sad turn of events. Swagger was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable stretch of football in Cleveland.
His legacy will not be forgotten, though. Swagger had a son named SJ (Swagger Jr.) who will carry on his legacy as the leader of the Dawg Pound (he took over in Week 10 of this past season as Swagger dealt with his illness). Hopefully SJ will get to live through a complete turnaround of the Browns culture that results in some memorable seasons.