The Georgia Bulldogs’ Recently Retired Mascot, UGA IX, Has Died

El Taco10 years ago

One of college football’s most iconic live mascots has passed away at 11 years old.

The Georgia Bulldogs’ mascot UGA IX, a.k.a. “Russ,” passed away peacefully Monday morning. He was roughly 70 years old in dog years.

The University of Georgia and the Seiler family, Russ’ caretakers, confirmed the news.

UGA IX first started as the Bulldogs’ interim mascot in 2009, serving 25 games in place of UGA VII and UGA VIII. He was officially collared as the school’s full-time mascot Sept. 15, 2012.

The proud pup stayed in his position until officially retiring on November 21, 2015, when he handed the collar over to his grandson “Que.”

UGA IX was a highly-respected heavyweight in the mascot realm. In October, Fox Sports ranked the Bulldogs’ mascot as the fourth-best animal mascot in college football. He also placed sixth on Bleacher Report’s live mascot list.

UGA IX’s death marks at least the second time this year we’ve had to say goodbye to one of the NCAA’s best mascots. The Texas Longhorns’ Bevo XIV passed away in October.

That dog had an incredible life.

UGA IX was 44-19 in his career, the fourth best record in UGA bulldog history.

Who’s a good boy? Russ. That’s who.

[via Twitter]

Image via YouTube