Commanders Unveil New Mascot: Major Tuddy The Hog

ASHBURN, VA — The Washington Commanders have a new mascot. His name is Major Tuddy, and he's a giant hog.

According to his official bio, Major Tuddy is 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs in at 230 pounds. He took inspiration from the franchise's legendary offensive linemen who were known as "The Hogs" in the 1980s and 1990s.

The Commanders unveiled Major Tuddy during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns as part of their fan appreciation events. The team also honored the original Hogs in a ceremony honoring their contributions and legacy.

"Major Tuddy’s love for Washington football began when he was just a piglet after watching the Hogs offensive lines of the 1980s and 1990s," the Commanders said in the official bio for their new mascot. "He was so inspired by their toughness, strength and the way they laid it all out on the line for their teammates!"

The Commanders also noted that Major Tuddy's personality and mannerisms were crafted with kids in mind.

What do you think of the new Commanders mascot? Tell us in comments.

Fan response to Major Tuddy was mixed. "This is who greets you in hell," one Twitter user wrote in response to Tuddy's announcement video.

"Hot take, I LOVE the new commanders mascot," another Twitter user wrote on Sunday. "Major Tuddy is a king."

The Commanders said Tuddy represents the military roots of the region. Team officials also noted that he hails from "Upper Marlboaro" and enjoys Mambo sauce and go-go music.

Michael Phillips covers the Commanders for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He was more receptive to Tuddy. "I'm pro-Tuddy. Going on record with that now," Phillips said. "Only regret is he's a Major and not a Commander."

The original Hogs offensive lineman were on the field when Tuddy made his grand debut.

Despite Sunday's celebration and mascot unveiling, five former players have said they intend to file a trademark for "the HOGS" in 2023 and do not want to be associated with the Washington Commanders. The players have formed an LLC, O-Line Entertainment, as they pursue the trademark.

“If they [the Washington Commanders] go forward on Sunday and make the hog their mascot and try to trademark it, we are going to be forced into trademark infringement litigation,” O-Line Entertainment attorney Seth Berenzweig told Front Office Sports last week.

John Riggins, Joe Jacoby, Mark May, Fred Dean, and Doc Walker, issued a news release on Dec. 26 saying the Commanders are trying to profit off of the brand established by the players.

"The original HOGS have tried to amicably resolve this dispute for many months but to no avail with the Commanders before the January 1 event," the news release said, referencing Sunday's celebration of the former players. "Without substantial control and compensation, the original HOGS do not want to be associated with the Commanders under its current ownership and management and require that their legacy and brand is protected."

After Major Tuddy was unveiled in front of the fans and former players on Sunday, the Commanders lost to the Cleveland Browns 24-10. The Commanders were eliminated from playoff contention.