Did you know that some of the most legendary and exciting NFL teams have bird mascots?
From fierce eagles to mysterious ravens, these bird-themed teams have brought unique energy, strong fan bases, and unforgettable moments to the league.
Whether you’re cheering for their acrobatic mascots or following their journeys to Super Bowl appearances, the connection between birds and football flies high.
There are five NFL teams with bird mascots: the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks.
Each of these NFL bird teams has its own iconic history, star players, and devoted supporters that help them stand out.
Get ready to dive into fan traditions, fun facts, and why NFL teams with bird names are always a popular topic.
Along the way, you’ll discover what makes each team unique on and off the field—and maybe find a new favorite to root for this season.
Learn which franchise stands tallest in NFL history and why their feathered mascots keep fans coming back for more by checking out the full list of bird mascots in the NFL.
Atlanta Falcons – Freddie Falcon (Falcon)
When you think of the Atlanta Falcons, Freddie Falcon probably comes to mind. Freddie has cheered on the Falcons since at least 1984 and always brings energy to the stadium. You’ll spot him hyping up crowds at home games and community events across Atlanta.
The Falcons compete in the tough NFC South division. Their mascot is a fitting choice—a falcon is a fast, fierce bird, and the Falcons aim to play with that same spirit. Back in the early days, the team even used live birds before choosing a costumed mascot.
Fun Facts about Freddie Falcon:
- Freddie once set a Guinness World Record by swinging 143 feet off the Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof.
- He often visits schools and hospitals, making him a favorite among local kids.
- Freddie’s look features the Falcons’ iconic red, black, and white colors.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mascot Name | Freddie Falcon |
| Representing | Atlanta Falcons, NFC South |
| First Appearance | 1984 |
| Costume Colors | Red, black, white |
You can learn more about Freddie and even watch his record-breaking stadium swing on the official Falcons mascot page.
Baltimore Ravens – Poe (Raven)
When you think of NFL teams with bird mascots, the Baltimore Ravens stand out with their mascot, Poe. Poe is based on the famous raven from Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, a clever nod to both history and hometown pride.
Poe wears a purple jersey and always brings high energy to every Ravens game. His name and look set him apart from other team mascots.
Quick Facts About Poe:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Mascot Name | Poe |
| Team | Baltimore Ravens |
| Inspired By | Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven” |
| First Appearance | 1996 |
| Jersey Color | Purple |
You will often see Poe dancing, cheering, and taking photos with fans at the stadium. Poe also visits community events, making him a familiar face in Baltimore.
The Baltimore Ravens started with three bird mascots named Edgar, Allan, and Poe, but now only Poe appears at games.
Poe’s connection to the city and his unique design make him a memorable part of Baltimore sports culture. If you ever catch a Ravens game, keep your eyes out for Poe on the sidelines, leading the cheers.
Arizona Cardinals – Big Red (Cardinal)
When you go to an Arizona Cardinals game, you can’t miss their mascot, Big Red. This bold, red bird brings energy and fun to every home game. He’s easy to spot with bright feathers, a large yellow beak, and big eyes.
Big Red stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and sports an impressive 7-foot wingspan. He made his official debut for the Cardinals on October 4, 1998, and has been a fan favorite ever since. You’ll see Big Red leading cheers, dancing on the sidelines, and entertaining crowds during timeouts.
Big Red’s Stats:
| Height | Wingspan | Debut | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 4 in | 7 ft | October 4, 1998 | Arizona Cardinals |
Fans love Big Red for more than just his looks. He interacts with supporters of all ages, poses for photos, and even pulls playful pranks on rival fans. Big Red is often called one of the most recognizable mascots in the NFL.
If you plan to visit State Farm Stadium, look for Big Red performing his signature moves. His fun personality and friendly attitude help make the Arizona Cardinals game day experience unforgettable.
Philadelphia Eagles – Swoop (Eagle)
Meet Swoop, the bold and athletic mascot of the Philadelphia Eagles. You’ll spot this giant bald eagle ramping up fans at Lincoln Financial Field on game days.
Swoop’s Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Animal | Bald Eagle |
| First Appearance | 1996 |
| Home Field | Lincoln Financial Field |
| Jersey Color | Eagles’ Green |
Swoop rocks an Eagles jersey and brings high-fives, dance moves, and energy to every game. His look—a large, strong eagle with powerful wings—matches the team’s fighting spirit.
You might not know, but Swoop’s backstory says he was a bald eagle with a big heart, who became mighty after receiving an Eagles jersey from a fan. Now, he helps cheer on fans and the team as one of the NFL’s most recognized mascots.
Catch Swoop leading chants, posing for photos, and making every moment extra fun for both kids and adults. His mission: to entertain and keep the Eagles spirit soaring high. Learn more about Swoop and his impact at Philadelphia Eagles Swoop and dig into his story at Swoop (Philadelphia Eagles) – Wikipedia.
Seattle Seahawks – Blitz And Boom (Seahawk / Osprey-Inspired)
When you watch a Seattle Seahawks game, it’s hard to miss Blitz and Boom. These mascots bring excitement to the field and reflect the team’s unique style.
Blitz is the main mascot. He looks like a large blue bird and has been cheering for the Seahawks since 1998. Blitz’s design was updated in 2014 to look even more like a real seahawk, inspired by an osprey, a strong and fast bird found around water. Learn more about Blitz from the official Seahawks site.
Boom, introduced later, joins Blitz to fire up the crowd, especially the youngest fans. Together, Blitz and Boom make every game feel like a party.
Quick Facts
| Mascot | Debut Year | Inspiration | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 1998 | Seahawk/Osprey | Named a team captain in 2020 |
| Boom | 2014 | Seahawk/Osprey | Focuses on engaging younger fans |
Blitz has gone beyond just dancing and entertaining. He has given thousands of shoes to kids through the Kicks4kids campaign and has been named an official team captain. He was also honored in the Mascot Hall of Fame. You can read more about Blitz’s community work here.
When you visit Seattle’s Lumen Field, look for Blitz and Boom helping to pump up the home crowd. Their energy and seahawk-inspired look truly make them stand out among NFL mascots.
