For the Fans, By the Fans: Washington Commanders Mascot Major Tuddy
Since the early days of our creative adventures, we have always been believers in creating things “for the people by the people.” One of our largest and long-standing projects, AltSounds, actually used this as our slogan and mantra as we created an independent music platform that was built by music lovers, for music lovers.
Everything we make as a creative agency follows the same principle – incorporating the viewer (or fan) as a major consideration. This was recently highlighted with our long-standing creative collaboration with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders fans are hardcore and loyal. They eat, sleep, and breathe their team. So, when it came time to reveal the mascot, we wanted to make sure that we demonstrated the fan’s dedication and decision-making input that went into the final Washington Commanders mascot character, Major Tuddy…
The Hogs and The Hogettes
The beginnings of Major Tuddy, the Washington Commanders mascot wasn’t originally started by the owners or staff of the team. It was the team’s loyal fans that started incorporating a hog as their unofficial mascot, dating back to when the team was known as Washington Redskins. “The Hogs” was a nickname given to the Washington Redskins most successful offensive line, who were responsible for key Super Bowl wins in the ’80s and ’90s.
The dedicated and loyal fans of “The Hogs” created a fan group known as the Hogettes who would dress up in crazy outfits during the games, while wearing pig snout masks to show their loyal support of the team. This dedicated fan group frequently made it to all the games, every season, for over 30 years until their official retirement in 2012. Of major note is that the Hogettes became much more than just hardcore fans of Washington Redskins and the Hogs. The group started successful charities and helped give back to the community of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virgina (fondly known by the fans as “The DMV”) in a variety of ways.
The Hogettes, a dedicated group of Washington Commanders fans, donned dresses and pig snouts to support their team for nearly 30 years.
We made sure to pay homage to both the Hogettes and the Hogs in our film which also helped us show the clear path of a hog as a fan favorite, and unofficial mascot for decades. This storytelling included featuring vintage footage and soundbites from the archives including a vintage interview soundbite of the late Washington Redskins Coach Joe Bugel, recalling how the name “the hogs” originated from a casual and hype-intended callout that stated, “come on you hogs, let’s get down to the bullpen down there.” The rest, as they say, is history.
The Hogs, the dominant offensive line of the Washington Commanders during the 1980s and early 1990s, set the standard for excellence in the NFL and inspired an enduring fan culture.
Getting the Commanders mascot right
Before the decision could be made as to what the first-ever team mascot character should be, the Washington Commanders wanted to ensure they included the fans in the decision-making process. During our “Making The Mascot” film we made sure to interview a variety of key decision makers that were involved; from fans to core executives of the team. One key executive was a long-term fan and Brand & Innovation Strategy team member Michaela Dowling who brought a vintage hog hat to the shoot which she personally owns and used to wear to team games as a child. It was a touching moment!
After months of interacting with fans on social media and collecting their opinions while present at their FedEx field stadium, whittled-down mascot theme ideas were exposed to fans so they could vote and bring the five options down to two. In the end, the Hog theme aptly became the winning direction. We were sure to showcase this fan-driven decision-making path using motion graphic visual animations that helped fans understand just how unanimous their decision was for the new Commanders mascot.
Once the hog was decided as the official Commanders mascot subject, the Washington Commanders creative team found a mascot partner to collaborate with who then composed a variety of visual representations of what the hog might look like. Hog teeth or no teeth? What should his facial expression be? Should he have a belly, if so how big? Within our film we created a slick animation that quickly showcases some of the iterations before ending on the final design. We’re a firm believer in giving a glimpse behind the curtain wherever possible and, while brief, hardcore fans can pause the video and look at what Major Tuddy might have looked like in a different life!
Capturing the creative process
In our “Making The Mascot” docu-film we included storytelling that showcases Major Tuddy being finalized at Bam Mascots in Toronto, Canada. Demonstrating initial prototypes and illustrations all the way through interviews with the hands-on creators we help to showcase the love, care, and craftsmanship that went into Major Tuddy’s creation. We highlight the hand-built quality of the character and how every piece was carefully thought out to reference both Washington Commanders and its previous namesake, Washington Redskins.
The materials, drawings, and finer details were included in our film to show the outfit’s creative process in its progressive stages and how the making of Major Tuddy actually came together. We explored how the Washington Commanders mascot was going to look and feel while showcasing the quality of craftsmanship and the handmade production process.
Technique Experimentation & Product Placement
As always we’re pushing to create different-looking shots and creative angles with every piece of our creative agency’s work. In particular, within this video, we experimented with a super cool and unique split-screen for one of the interviews that really stands out and grabs attention while viewing. This unique shot also incorporates subtle title sponsor product placement through this technique, something that wouldn’t have been possible without it! Keep your eyes out for other key product placement vignettes featured throughout the film.
Introducing The Washington Commanders Mascot Major Tuddy To The Fans
We helped to introduce Major Tuddy to the fans through our tongue-in-cheek trailer film which was played at FedEx field stadium, during half time, right before the official reveal of Major Tuddy. The last shot of our film was cleverly constructed to help it feel like Major Tuddy was waiting in the wings, right before officially running out onto the pitch for his debut performance where he waved to fans, introducing them to his individual character traits while interacting with cheerleaders, hype squad members, legendary players and members of The Hogs! It truly was a “for the people” fan moment they’d been waiting for since the team’s official forever name reveal in February 2022.
It was really important for the Washington Commanders football team to celebrate the fans with their mascot creation. Based on fan reaction, this Commanders fan engagement strategy seems to have really worked. It’s also worth noting that the plan to use Major Tuddy for other duties outside of his silliness on the pitch. They aim to use Major Tuddy to feature at community events throughout the DMV and will be an extended face of the Washington Commanders through these community appearances.
The Story Continues
We’re excited to continue our creative adventures with the Commanders as well as tell the story of the Commanders mascot Tuddy as this is just the beginning!
Facts about the Washington Commanders’ mascot
1. Who is Major Tuddy?
Major Tuddy is the Washington Commanders’ mascot, a friendly, larger-than-life anthropomorphic hog. His name combines “Major,” a nod to Washington D.C.’s military connections, and “Tuddy,” which is football slang for a touchdown. As the NFL team mascot, Major Tuddy plays a pivotal role in energizing fans and creating a game-day atmosphere that brings the stadium to life.
2. Why a Hog?
The choice of a hog for the mascot isn’t random—it’s a tribute to the Commanders’ legendary “Hogs” offensive line from the 1980s. The Hogs were instrumental in the team’s success, and Major Tuddy serves as a fun, modern way to honor that legacy.
3. When Did Major Tuddy Debut?
Major Tuddy made his official debut on January 1, 2023, during a game against the Cleveland Browns. He was introduced as part of the Washington Commanders rebrand, which include a new name, logo, and overall identity for the team. Since his debut, Major Tuddy fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans appreciating the nod to the team’s legacy while embracing a fresh identity.
4. What Does Major Tuddy Do?
As the Washington Commanders mascot, Major Tuddy is a fixture at home games, rallying fans and boosting team spirit. He interacts with fans, leads cheers, poses for photos, and adds to the overall game-day experience. He’s also involved in community outreach, representing the team at local events, schools, and charity functions.
5. Why is Major Tuddy Important to Fans?
For longtime Commanders fans, Major Tuddy is a bridge between the team’s past and future. By paying tribute to the “Hogs” while embracing a new identity, the mascot brings a sense of tradition and fun to the team’s fresh rebrand. His military attire also connects to Washington D.C.’s strong ties to the armed forces, making him a symbol of local pride.
6. How Has He Been Received?
Since his debut, Major Tuddy has been well-received by fans, especially for his playful demeanor and his nod to team history. His design appeals to both children and adults, making him a fan favorite at games and events. The introduction of Major Tuddy wasn’t just about fun—it was a strategic move in the Commanders’ sports team branding, reinforcing team identity through storytelling and tradition.
