Former Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy reveals strict rules he had to follow and how much he was paid per game

Mascots in professional sports have long played an integral role in creating a fun, entertaining, and interactive environment for fans. Whether it’s hyping up the crowd, performing stunts, or simply providing an entertaining and approachable face for the team, mascots are often a fan favorite. But while the role of a mascot may seem like an easy job of simply wearing a costume and playing around, the reality is often more complex. The physical demands, strict guidelines, and the intense scrutiny can make being a mascot far more challenging than many people realize.

For Rowdy, the beloved former mascot of the Dallas Cowboys, the job was a mix of excitement, commitment, and discipline. In an exclusive interview, Rowdy has shared some of the strict rules he had to follow during his tenure, along with insight into his compensation per game and what it was truly like to be the face of America’s Team in front of thousands of passionate fans.

The Mascot’s Role: Not Just a Costume

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that being a mascot in the NFL, especially for a high-profile team like the Dallas Cowboys, is not just about wearing a costume and performing on the sidelines. The role of a mascot involves a great deal of responsibility, and for Rowdy, it was no different. When Rowdy first took on the role of the Cowboys’ mascot, he was tasked with more than just performing stunts and making the fans laugh. Rowdy had to embody the spirit of the Dallas Cowboys organization.

Rowdy’s persona as the Cowboys’ mascot was designed to reflect the values and characteristics that the franchise prided itself on — toughness, resilience, and the “America’s Team” mentality. The character itself, a friendly, but spirited bull with a big smile, needed to be engaging and accessible to fans of all ages. But it wasn’t just about playfully running around and posing for photos. Rowdy’s role included being a symbol of the Cowboys’ brand, constantly boosting team morale, and even representing the franchise at charity events and community outreach activities.

It wasn’t just about keeping the crowd excited during games. Rowdy had to work tirelessly to maintain the image of the Cowboys, staying in top physical shape, following a specific set of rules for his behavior, and learning a series of intricate stunts. This responsibility came with a number of restrictions and guidelines that Rowdy was required to follow.

The Strict Rules: A Mascot’s Code of Conduct

Being a mascot is a lot more than playing around and having fun. Rowdy had to adhere to a strict set of rules, and the level of discipline required for the job was not always as visible to fans. The guidelines that Rowdy had to follow were designed to keep both him and the brand he represented — the Dallas Cowboys — in top form. Here are some of the most notable rules Rowdy had to follow:

1. Appearance and Consistency: One of the most important rules was the consistency of Rowdy’s appearance. The character could not stray from his intended look, as the Cowboys were keen on maintaining a consistent brand identity. From the hat to the boots, Rowdy had to keep his costume impeccable for every game. His physical condition had to align with the energetic and agile persona that the fans expected. Rowdy had to be physically fit and capable of performing various stunts and movements, which meant keeping up with regular physical training.
2. Behavior Guidelines: Mascots, especially those for high-profile franchises like the Cowboys, are often seen as an extension of the team’s branding. Because of this, Rowdy had to maintain a specific behavior both on and off the field. He had to remain in character at all times during game-day appearances and could not speak or break character in front of the fans. This rule was strict to ensure that the mascot never became a distraction or lost his authenticity in front of the fans.
3. Interaction with Fans: Rowdy had to engage with fans in a positive and family-friendly manner. There were strict protocols regarding how Rowdy could interact with people. He could never be rude or dismissive, and certain gestures or actions that could be perceived as negative or controversial were not allowed. Additionally, Rowdy had to be mindful of his interactions with fans of all ages. He was expected to maintain high energy and engage in a way that would resonate with children, families, and older fans alike.
4. Time Commitment and Game Schedule: Rowdy’s work schedule was extensive and required commitment. The Cowboys play a 16-game regular season (plus potential playoff games), but Rowdy’s duties didn’t stop there. He was also required to attend team practices, community events, promotional appearances, and even charity activities. The time commitment could be grueling, and often Rowdy had to be on-site several hours before the game started for fan interactions, warm-up performances, and other duties. This meant that Rowdy’s personal time during football season was limited, with a significant amount of his life devoted to his mascot responsibilities.
5. Physical Demands and Stunts: Perhaps one of the most physically demanding aspects of Rowdy’s role was the physical nature of his performances. As a mascot, Rowdy was expected to perform stunts that required significant athletic ability, such as tumbling, dancing, and high-energy movements. This meant Rowdy had to be in peak physical condition. Mascot costumes are heavy, hot, and often cumbersome, making these performances even more difficult. Rowdy needed to ensure he could handle these stunts without injury, and he had to train physically to stay in the best shape possible.

The Paycheck: How Much Rowdy Was Paid Per Game

While it might seem like being a mascot for a prominent team like the Dallas Cowboys would come with significant financial rewards, Rowdy’s pay per game was not as glamorous as many might think. Mascots in the NFL generally do not earn the same salaries as the players on the field, and while Rowdy was well-compensated for his work, it was certainly a far cry from the contracts of the Cowboys’ star players.

Rowdy was paid a flat rate per game, with the exact figures depending on his contract and the nature of his appearances. According to Rowdy, during his time as the Dallas Cowboys mascot, he made between $25,000 to $30,000 per year. This included game-day appearances, promotional events, and any additional appearances he made on behalf of the Cowboys. For each individual game, Rowdy was compensated a fixed amount that was modest compared to the massive salaries of the players, but it still reflected the importance of his role as the face of the Cowboys’ fan experience.

Despite the relatively modest pay, Rowdy’s role came with certain perks. He had the unique opportunity to be in the spotlight and represent one of the most famous football teams in the world. He interacted with fans, got to be part of the game-day action, and was a central figure in the Cowboys’ brand. He also received additional compensation for making appearances outside of games, such as community outreach events, corporate events, and promotional campaigns.

Rowdy’s pay was not only tied to his game-day duties but also to the time he spent traveling with the team, attending charity events, and engaging with sponsors. In some cases, he would receive bonuses or additional pay for special performances, stunts, or unique appearances.

The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Mascot

While Rowdy’s pay was modest, the job came with both its challenges and rewards. Being a mascot in the NFL meant that Rowdy was constantly under scrutiny, and every performance was important. Fans expected Rowdy to deliver high-energy performances, whether he was rallying the crowd before the game or performing stunts during halftime. This required Rowdy to stay in top physical shape and constantly work on his performance skills.

But despite the challenges, Rowdy found immense satisfaction in his role. Being able to represent the Dallas Cowboys and interact with fans on such a personal level was a source of pride for him. For Rowdy, the most rewarding part of the job was making an impact on fans’ game-day experiences, especially the younger ones who saw him as an idol. The joy of seeing kids light up when they saw Rowdy, or hearing the roar of the crowd when he performed a memorable stunt, made the physical and emotional demands of the job worth it.

The fans’ reaction to Rowdy’s antics was often what kept him motivated. He knew that for many fans, particularly children, Rowdy was the highlight of their day. As the Cowboys’ mascot, Rowdy became a symbol of the fun, excitement, and spirit that the franchise stood for.