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Browns Throw Open Casket Visitation Service for Deceased Team Dog Swagger

By Jackson Thompson

Cleveland Browns team mascot dog Swagger's funeral service
Cleveland Browns team mascot dog Swagger's funeral service /

The Cleveland Browns lost a loyal member of their organization earlier this month, when beloved team pet Swagger passed away at the age of six. Swagger, a bullmastiff, was the team's live mascot from 2014 until Week 6 of last season, and his handlers later revealed he had been battling cancer for some time.

On Saturday, the Browns organization held a visitation service to honor Swagger and celebrate his life at DeJohn Funeral Home in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

Swagger's body was placed in an open casket and adorned in Browns gear. Dozens of fans came to pay respects to the beloved team dog. Swagger's son Swagger Jr., who replaced him as mascot this past season, was also in attendance to greet visitors as he resided over his father's casket.

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We will be honoring and celebrating the life of Swagger at DeJohn Funeral Home ~ Hosted by DeJohn Pet Services: 28890 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44092 February 22, 2020 Visitation from 1:00 – 3:00pm with Celebration of Life at 3:00pm Pictures are from SJ visiting his Daddy and saying "good-bye". We could tell he was looking for his Dad, Swagger. No matter how many other dogs of ours were laying around, SJ had always laid by his dad. It was absolutely wonderful that Sherri with DeJohn Pet Services invited us over with SJ to say goodbye. It was most certainly a special time for us with SJ as he became at peace with his Dads passing. He became very calm. At first trying to lay inside the container with Swagger and then laying as close as he could possibly get and fell asleep. When we arrived home I could feel how different SJ felt as he walked in the house. He knew exactly where his Dad was. We cannot thank DeJohn Pet Services enough for this opportunity. We know some Fans would love to also give Swagger one more kiss or one more hug as we have as we know how much everyone loved him. Swagger was more than a dog. He was family. He was and will always be the Cleveland Brown's first live Mascot! Rest in peace sweet boy!!! You did it YOUR way! We will NEVER forget you! You will always be with us. https://facebook.com/events/s/in-loving-memory-of-swagger-cl/961900727538694/?ti=as #ClevelandBrowns1stLiveMascott,#Swagger, #WeWillAlwaysLoveYouSwagger,#YouWillAlwaysBeOurBoy,#Swagger,#SjsaysGoodbyeDaddy, #Sj,#OneMorePet,#OneMoreKiss,#DawgPound,#ClevelandBrownsFans,

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"While we are very sad to have Swagger leave us, we know he brought much joy to families and children that visited the stadium," Ross DeJohn Jr., DeJohn's CEO and funeral director, said in a statement. "A lifelong Cleveland fan myself, we feel fortunate to host this opportunity to join in his celebration of life."