The Philadelphia 76ers introduced a new mascot today and wisely did so in the middle of the target audience — that guy in the middle of the above pic is Franklin. The Sixers new big, blue, dog and mascot. Apparently the kids love him.
A Sixers fan's best friend. Welcome, @SixersFranklin! pic.twitter.com/HqSRq80kUV
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 10, 2015
And he can dance.
Best in show. https://t.co/H0pvRvV6hI
— Franklin the Dog (@SixersFranklin) February 10, 2015
As (the Sixers’ mascot designers) dug through piles of books, watched movies and spoke with Philadelphians far and wide, along with more than 1,000 kids, they found a common thread…a special creature…whose ancestors had been a part of the city’s history from the start.
When George Washington crossed the Delaware, a blue tail was wagging in the boat.
When our nation’s forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, a blue paw was found on the scroll.
A blue mouth dragged Ben Franklin to safety after he was struck by lightning and discovered electricity.
A furry blue flash ran alongside Rocky Balboa, and put two paws in the air when he reached the top of the Art Museum steps.
So, he’s the Forest Gump of mascots.
If you like him, follow him on Twitter. You can also see him at Sixers games, where there will be nights Franklin will be more entertaining than the product on the court (although the Sixers have won four in a row at home).