For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a die-hard sports fan. There’s just something about the combination of high-stakes drama and world-class athleticism that hooks you.
Back when I was a kid, I’ll admit the finer points of that athleticism went way over my head, but that didn’t stop me from loving every second of being at the game. This video perfectly captures why:
I remember going to my first Sonics game at the Key Arena and seeing Sasquatch (R.I.P.) attempt death-defying stunts every timeout. may not have been old enough to appreciate the high-flying dunks of Shawn Kemp or the court vision of Gary Payton, but backflip dunks by a furry beast were definitely something that I could get into. Ever since that day, I have been fascinated with mascots. Something about oversized characters with unchanging facial expressions is awesome. Today I would like to give a tribute to the guy who started it all, the San Diego Chicken.
The San Diego Chicken started in 1974 when a radio station hired Ted Giannoulas to wear the costume and hand out Easter eggs at the San Diego Zoo for two dollars an hour. He did it because he was a poor college student looking for work. He had no idea that he would change history.
After the success of the San Diego Zoo event, he moved on to larger venues at concerts and sports events. He quickly gained popularity thanks to his hilarious antics and began making appearances all over the country. Some notable appearances of The San Diego Chicken have been:
At the first Holiday Bowl, security guards tried to eject the Chicken from the field. He refused to leave the game, sitting on the sidelines as the mistake was ironed out. Meanwhile, as Brigham Young University was working its way through the “red zone” for a touchdown, the crowd was chanting, “We want the Chicken!”
At the infamous game in 1978, the Oakland Raiders beat the San Diego Chargers on the infamous “Holy Roller Play.” When the Raiders scored the game-winning touchdown, The Chicken lay on the ground as if he had just been shot.
A Sony commercial alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., James Brown, and Peyton Manning.
There are a lot of great mascots in sports, but none come close to The San Diego Chicken. The San Diego Chicken isn’t just another mascot for another team. He transcends team, league, race, and sport itself. The San Diego Chicken is a symbol of unity that everyone can enjoy. Thanks to The San Diego Chicken changing sports forever, we are fortunate to have mascot moments like this:
So thank you, San Diego Chicken, you truly are the greatest of all time.
Talk to me, loser.