Meet the cat everyone’s talking about
At Bowling Green State University there’s a new kind of sideline sensation: Pudge, a three-year-old Persian whose main game is melting hearts. He doesn’t roar or do flips — he naps, preens, and gives exactly the kind of regal, slightly grumpy face that makes people lose their minds (in a good way).
How a locker-room pet became a campus celebrity
Pudge lives with George Carlson, the team’s long snapper. When the squad was dragging after several injuries, Carlson figured what they really needed wasn’t extra drills but a furry mood-lifter. He brought Pudge into the locker room, and the cat’s chill vibes spread faster than a halftime nacho run.
More than just a cute distraction
For Carlson, Pudge isn’t just mascot material — he’s been a lifeline. After losing his mother, the companionship of a silly, odd-looking cat helped him through a dark patch. That same comforting presence started working its magic on teammates and fans alike.
Fans show up for the feline factor
Home-game attendance shot up noticeably this season. People say they come for the football, but plenty admit they come to say hi to the cat who lounges like he owns the place. Touchdowns are great, but a perfect head tilt from Pudge? That’s viral gold.
Why a Persian works as a mascot
It’s the glorious mismatch: a fluffy, pampered Persian in a sea of jerseys, cheers, and sometimes questionable halftime choreography. That contrast is part of the charm — Pudge brings warmth, absurdity, and a reminder that sports can be ridiculous and wholesome at the same time.
The bottom line
Bowling Green found an unlikely symbol of team spirit: a purring, elegant cat who makes people smile and fills seats. If a furry companion can lift a locker room and turn Saturdays into events, consider it a touchdown for community morale.
Story reported by Steve Hartman, a CBS News correspondent known for heartfelt, human-focused features.
