Touchdown

Touchdown arrived on campus in 1915 when the Cornell University Athletic Association bought him as a live bear cub for $25. Touchdown was an instant good luck charm when Cornell’s football team went undefeated that same year. After Harvard tried to steal Touchdown at a football game, Touchdown was retired to the wild where he lived out the rest of his days. Touchdown had many successors including Touchdown II, III & IV.

In the early 2000s Touchdown made a full return to Cornell, all grown up! Now Touchdown’s appearances are managed by the Big Red Bears, a student-run organization. Touchdown can frequently be seen at athletic games as well as general events across all the units and schools of Cornell University. One of the things that makes Touchdown unique is his vast wardrobe, which in addition to traditional t-shirts and athletic uniforms includes pajamas, a chef outfit, spring attire, and so much more!

Be sure to keep up with Touchdown’s adventures on his Instagram page @TouchdownCornell!