All Dogs Go to Heaven, Even Cleveland Browns Mascot Swagger

A memorial service was held for Cleveland Browns’ mascot Swagger, the bullmastiff who joined the team as a rookie in 2014 and recently succumbed to cancer at the age of six.

For an expansion franchise whose loveable players have been few and far between since rejoining the NFL in 1999, the addition of Swagger as the team’s living, breathing mascot was a welcome one. Browns fans everywhere embraced him as he became a favorite at First Energy Stadium, in the hallways in Berea, and throughout northeast Ohio.

Weighing in at a healthy 145 pounds, just 12 pounds less than Greg Robinson’s recent stash ‘o weed and only 36 pounds less than 2019 Training Camp sensation Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi himself, Swagger was a beloved member of the Cleveland Browns family.

Such popularity was evident this past weekend as Swagger’s memorial service was streamed live online and given in-depth coverage by Cleveland area media outlets. This video from WKYC Channel 3 is just one example of the attention paid to his tribute:

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1193212150984036352?s=20

Falling just short of Joe Thomas’ longevity, Swagger only missed one “home” game during his career and that was one played across the pond in London in 2014 against Kevin Stefanski’s Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, he retired midway through the 2019 season due to his health, with his son SJ (‘Swagger Junior) taking over for him in week 10.

Having moved on to the Dawg Pound in the sky, Swagger is survived by his son SJ and legions of adoring Cleveland Browns fans.