Cleveland Browns mourn death of bullmastiff mascot, PETA implores team to rescue dog from local animal shelter

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The Cleveland Browns announced via social media last week that their beloved live mascot SJ passed away at the young age of 5.

The team did not reveal the cause of death.

The Browns’ official Instagram page posted a black and white photograph of SJ, a bullmastiff, on Tuesday with the caption, "We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mascot, SJ. We are so grateful for his many years of loyal support and cherish all of the wonderful memories he helped create for fans young and old."

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SJ, the Cleveland Browns mascot, passed away in early July 2024. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Milkbone, a snack company for dogs, replied to the post, "a true dawg RIP, SJ!" Many Cleveland fans expressed their condolences in the comment section.

On Nov. 10, 2019, at 11-months-old, SJ led the Browns out onto the field at his first official game as a live mascot. The Browns beat the Buffalo Bills at home that day, 19-16.

In a video posted to X the day before his debut, the team hyped up fans with clips of SJ preparing for game day as he sported a gray sweatshirt and warmed up to the "Rocky" theme song. The caption read, "He's been training for WEEKS for this moment."

Erin Andrews, NFL sideline reporter for FOX Sports, commented on the post "Awwwww ya!!!"

SJ, one of three live mascots for the team, enjoyed a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel as a preferred chew toy, according to the Brown’s website.

Though gone too soon, SJ is not the first bullmastiff mascot of the Cleveland Browns to pass away at a young age.

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