ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The amount of money team mascots earn each year might have you rethinking your career choice. Some sports mascots are making 10 times more than many teachers or firefighters. GamblingSites.com revealed the top 10 mascot earnings.
The highest paid is Rocky the Mountain Lion for the Denver Nuggets, raking in $625,000 a year. Of the Philadelphia mascots, Gritty ranks fourth with a $250,000 annual salary. The Phillie Phanatic takes the No. 6 spot at $200,000.
“I think that’s great. Make what you can, right?” said Lou Nagy of Allentown.
While the fans are keeping their eyes on the mascots, the mascots have their eyes on the money. Some locals were surprised but said they realize it is simply entertainment.
“I’m a baseball fan, not so much a hockey fan, but they’re both doing their job by entertaining the crowd,” said Leon Motley.
The salaries had some people shaking their heads.
“That’s crazy that they’re earning that much just to be a mascot,” said Sara Galgano, a gym manager in Allentown.
When the sticker shock wore off, some people wondered why they never considered a career as a mascot.
“Seriously. I’m in the wrong profession,” said Lauren Love, a paraprofessional from Allentown.
“I’m a railroader. It’s a good profession to be in. But not as good as Gritty’s,” Motley said.
So the question is, who deserves to earn more: Gritty or the Phanatic?
“Philly Phanatic because he works more games, I think,” Nagy said.
Swoop of the Philadelphia Eagles and Franklin the Dog of the Philadelphia 76ers did not make the top 10 list.