When we think back to this college football bowl season, we’ll remember the perfectly unserious Pop-Tarts Bowl and its beloved mascot, Strawberry.
College football fans were first introduced to the mascot (non-edible version) when he gloriously popped out of a giant toaster on the field as “…Ready For It?” by Taylor Swift played in the background.
He captured the hearts of all those who watched the game and he became an instant meme for menacingly creeping behind a referee. Strawberry shared a hilarious message before it evolved into its final, edible form and he was then mourned by fans around the world once it was eaten.
A mascot never speaks, but…
I’m told the Pop Tart is none other than former Benny The Bull [name redacted].
Least surprising news ever. That spin move was a dead giveaway. And only Benny could crush that hard.
This fact made my day. https://t.co/so4FDgpAra
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) January 1, 2024
As we tried to learn everything we possibly could about this mascot, we discovered some truly incredible reporting by ESPN’s Sarah Spain.
According to Spain, the mascot (non-edible version) was played by the same person who portrayed Benny The Bull for more than a decade until stepping away in 2016.
When he wore the costume we got to see what it was like to live as a mascot when he wore a Go-Pro; he had an amazing and powerful message to former Clippers owner Donald Sterling; he did acrobatic flips; he saved relationships between couples; he spilled popcorn on Rajon Rondo; he even made referees dance with him.
His legacy lives on and For The Win named Benny The Bull as the best mascot in the NBA. For The Win, meanwhile, recently crowned Strawberry as the best mascot of college football bowl season.
