BYU's Cosmo the Cougar headed to the Mascot Hall of Fame

The BYU Cougars have a new Hall of Fame icon in Provo.

Cosmo the Cougar was selected as one of five mascots to be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame this year. After public voting and careful consideration by the Mascot Hall of Fame executive committee, BYU's biggest cheerleader earns a top honor.

There was a grassroots campaign to get Cosmo on the ballot and then again to be a finalist. As fade would have it, he made the final cut. He's the second Utah mascot to join the Hall of Fame. It was 20 years ago that the Utah Jazz Bear was inducted in a ceremony.

If there was ever proof to show just how deep BYU fanbase runs, Cosmo ranked among the most internationally supported in the Hall's voting history. Ballots from more than 100 countries were counted.

Cosmo is one of the oldest mascots on the college football scene. The one-of-a-kind acrobatic daredevil is part of what makes the BYU community one of the best. The animated cosplay Cougar was debuted in 1953 by parachuting into LaVell Edwards Stadium. That was just the start of a long tradition in Provo. Since then, Cosmo has made it part of his routine to be as edgy as possible by jumping through rings of fire and other stunts.

The Cougars' mascot has also evolved with the times over the past 73 years. The school has dedicated social media channels to Cosmo's shenanigans, which brings in millions of views every year.

"Mascots create memories that last a lifetime," Mascot Hall of Fame Co-Founder and Owner Christopher Bruce said in a statement. "They inspire kids, young and old, unite communities, comfort people in difficult moments, and remind us that laughter is something we all share and need. Support from 109 countries is humbling. It proves mascots are genuinely global ambassadors of happiness."

Cosmo wasn't the only college mascot in this year's class of inductees. Cocky from South Carolina and Gold Gopher from Minnesota joined the Cougars legend. The trio will be joined by Denver Broncos' Miles and the New York Mets' Mrs. Met.

This is the 21st year of operation for the Mascot Hall of Fame. A total of 37 entertainers have been inducted thus far. Cosmo will be one of 14 college mascots in the Hall.

Some of the other famous mascots who were inducted before Cosmo are the Phillie Phanatic, Rocky the Mountain Lion, Benny the Bull, the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, and Brutus Buckeye.

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