Rowdy was originally developed by NFL Properties in the early 1990s as a cowboy/football player character named "Big D" who was part of the Team NFL Heroes league-wide mascot program. Merchandise showing an early version of Rowdy with his name listed as Big D was marketed to children and teenagers during the 1994 and 1995NFL seasons. Big D made public appearances at Cowboys games and other events as early as 1994 but wasn't adopted by the Cowboys as their official mascot until 1996 after his name was changed to Rowdy and adjustments to his character design had been made.
Rowdy wears a Dallas Cowboys' football uniform combined with classic western attire including an oversized cowboy hat, chaps, and cowboy boots. His jersey number is 00.
Role as mascot
Rowdy has been the Cowboys' official mascot since 1996. His tenure overlapped with that of Crazy Ray who was the unofficial mascot of the Cowboys from 1962 until his death in 2007. As the Ambassador of the Dallas Cowboys, Rowdy's job includes, but is not limited to creating game day enthusiasm at AT&T Stadium. He does this at home games by driving in on his four-wheeler, tossing t-shirts into the stands, using signs like "Let's Go Cowboys," and mocking the opponents. Rowdy participates at every home game and selected away games. In 2015, Rowdy was named "Most Hated NFL Mascot" by Sports Illustrated.
Community involvement
Rowdy is involved with, takes part in, and/or makes appearances at the following: the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, The Salvation Army, The Rise School of Dallas, the Special Olympics, retirement centers, hospitals, schools, birthday parties, grand openings, Minor League Baseball games around the country, conventions, parades, grocery store promotions, Dallas MavericksNBA games, weddings, and community events. He has even been to the Pro Bowl at least three times: in 1995 before being adopted by the Cowboys as their official mascot, and in 1999 and 2001. He has also taken part in televised events, including ESPN's Alumni Beach Bowl, ABC's Battle of the Gridiron and the Special Olympics.
At Cowboys training camp Rowdy can be found playing with kids at Rowdy's Kid Zone. He takes the kids through obstacle courses and has them chant for their favorite Cowboys player during practice. Kids also visit the inflatable Cowboys Experience, which includes a bouncy house, slide, football toss, and field goal kick. Rowdy is known for squirting the kids with water guns, and anyone else who steps in his way like players, coaches, TV crews, and especially fans that come out to watch the Cowboys practice at camp. This is welcomed by fans when the outside temperature is 100 plus degrees.
Mascot convention participation
Rowdy represents the Cowboys each year in selected cities for the annual mascot convention. At this event the NFL mascots compare and share ideas to help continue mascot antics and ways to market mascot awareness.
