Top 10 Sports Mascots That Should Be Turned into Video Game Characters

#10: Pierre the Pelican (New Orleans Pelicans – NBA)

Pierre already looks like a video game boss from a late-90s arcade fighter, so why not lean in? His unblinking stare, exaggerated beak, and chaotic energy scream “unlockable character.” In-game, Pierre could glide with his massive wings, launch feather projectiles, and use sonic shrieks to disorient enemies. Set in a stylized version of New Orleans, his game could combine carnival chaos with street basketball minigames, jazz-powered attacks, and voodoo-themed boss fights. Imagine collecting beads for power-ups and using jazz riffs to defeat rival mascots. Pierre’s unsettling charisma would fit perfectly in a wacky yet surprisingly strategic beat-’em-up.

#9: Youppi! (Montreal Canadiens – NHL)

Youppi! already has a wild history—he’s been ejected from a baseball game, adopted by an NHL team, and meme’d into Canadian sports folklore. He deserves a game that lets him unleash his full cartoon potential. Picture a 2D side-scroller where Youppi! battles security guards, rival mascots, and even robotic zambonis. With a theme that blends hockey mayhem and classic Looney Tunes physics, Youppi! could use over-the-top slapstick tools: exploding foam fingers, goalie mask shields, and maple syrup-based speed boosts. The final boss? A grumpy umpire from his baseball past, of course.

#8: Sourdough Sam (San Francisco 49ers – NFL)

Part miner, part mountain man, Sourdough Sam could star in a gold rush-themed action-platformer. Armed with a pickaxe and a sourdough bread launcher, he’d traverse treacherous mine shafts, face rival prospectors, and tame wild frontier beasts. Think Shovel Knight meets Red Dead Redemption—but with touchdowns. Special levels could include wagon racing, gold panning minigames, and high-stakes lumberjack duels. Sam’s charm, beard physics, and Northern California backdrop would make this game both ridiculous and surprisingly heartfelt. Bonus points if he yells “TOUCHDOWN!” after every boss fight.

#7: Rumble the Bison (Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA)

Rumble’s raw athleticism and tribal thunder theme scream action-RPG. In his game, Rumble could explore ancient spirit lands charged with elemental energy—lightning, wind, and thunder. Using his horns for power charges, backflips for traversal, and tribal drum-based combos for crowd control, Rumble’s skillset would make for an epic fantasy adventure. Each arena he visits is a stylized representation of Thunder fandom, filled with totems, floating courts, and bison-powered artifacts. With cinematic flair and power-up drumming sequences, Rumble’s game could be the God of War of mascot games—minus the rage, plus more thunderclaps.

#6: Orbit (Houston Astros – MLB)

Orbit is weird. Like, video game weird—in the best way. His alien design, googly eyes, and gleeful trolling would thrive in a chaotic party game. Think Fall Guys meets WarioWare. Orbit could host intergalactic sports tournaments where players compete in absurd spaceball games, anti-gravity dance-offs, and baseball bat-lightsaber duels. With voice modulating laughter and slime-based attacks, Orbit’s game would be pure visual candy. Every round could feature random glitches (on purpose) and power-ups like “Moon Bounce” or “Zero-G Slide.” His unpredictable vibe would make every match hilarious and fresh.

#5: The San Diego Chicken (Former MLB Mascot Icon)

The original king of sports mascot chaos, The San Diego Chicken deserves a retro-style revival. His game could be a tribute to classic arcade mischief—imagine Paperboy meets Earthworm Jim. The Chicken could embark on zany missions across baseball stadiums, dodging mascots, streakers, and hot dog cannons while delivering wild pranks. Armed with eggshell bombs, chicken scratch speed boosts, and a tailfeather tornado spin, he’d be the ultimate trickster hero. Throw in nostalgic pixel graphics, a funky soundtrack, and time-traveling stadium levels (like the Astrodome or 80s Yankee Stadium), and you’ve got a mascot masterpiece with retro flair and timeless comedy.

#4: Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers – NFL)

Sir Purr is a royal feline with serious stealth game potential. Imagine a side-scrolling stealth platformer where you sneak through locker rooms, party decks, and mascot training grounds, sabotaging rival mascots’ plans and stealing their game-day secrets. Dressed in medieval armor one moment and modern Panthers gear the next, Sir Purr could switch between modes—Knight Mode for power and Mascot Mode for agility. With purring cloaking powers, laser-pointer distractions, and stealthy meow-based communication, this game would be a hilarious nod to spy thrillers with mascot absurdity layered on top. Think Sly Cooper meets Metal Gear Solid, but furrier.

#3: Gritty (Philadelphia Flyers – NHL)

Gritty doesn’t just need a game—he needs a whole gaming universe. His sheer chaos energy is perfect for a sandbox-style experience. Imagine an open-world city where Gritty roams freely, pulling pranks, rescuing fans, battling rival mascots, and trying to stay one step ahead of security. Think Goat Simulator mixed with Saints Row. Gritty’s power-ups include giant googly eyes that hypnotize enemies, cheesesteak energy boosts, and a rage meter that unlocks “Ultimate Mascot Mode”—basically a pixelated rampage. Side quests could include sabotaging rival arenas, hosting dance raves, or solving mascot conspiracies. The game would be buggy by design, fourth-wall-breaking, and brilliant. Basically, it would be Gritty in video game form.

#2: The Phillie Phanatic (Philadelphia Phillies – MLB)

An absolute legend of baseball entertainment, the Phillie Phanatic’s video game would be part comedy platformer, part mascot simulator. Picture a colorful city where the Phanatic must spread joy, avoid grumpy fans, and stage elaborate mascot stunts. Think Katamari Damacy meets Super Mario Odyssey. His tongue could be used like a grappling hook, his belly could bounce enemies back, and his signature ATV would serve as a speedy ride for chaotic mini-games. Side missions could include dance-offs, mascot training schools, and rivalry battles with visiting mascots. Packed with color, humor, and Philly pride, this game would be the ultimate love letter to mascot culture.

#1: Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls – NBA)

Benny the Bull already operates like a video game character in real life—he dunks from trampolines, launches popcorn at fans, rides segways, and trolls players with elite timing. Give him a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater-style game where Benny races through arenas, city streets, and underground courts performing stunts, creating mayhem, and unlocking new tricks and outfits. Each level could be themed around rival teams and mascots, with escalating challenges like popcorn bomb parkour or trampoline dunk chains. Benny’s charisma, Chicago setting, and endless energy make him the perfect video game protagonist. With his flair for fun and chaos, he’s a slam-dunk for #1.

Mascots have always been larger than life—but they’re also built for pixels. Their absurd moves, bold designs, and wild personalities are a perfect fit for the gaming world. From intergalactic prank wars to stealthy mascot espionage, these characters are ready to break out of the stadium and leap into our consoles. Sports mascots already win the crowd on game day—now it’s time they win over the gaming world, one foam-fingered level at a time.