So this week kicks off the 100 year-old tradition of the annual Red River Rivalry/Shootout/Showdown (whatever you prefer to call it). So with that being said, I would like to give you some facts about that sweet little Mascot the Longhorns lovingly call Bevo.

Bevo was not the original mascot for the Horns, it was acutally a bulldog they called ‘Piggy’. Yes, piggy. The idea of getting an actual Longhorn didn’t hit them until 1916 and his name was Bo. The Bevo moniker didn’t come till later. What I want to know is if they were the Texas Longhorns, why didn’t it hit them immediately to get an actual longhorn as the mascot? A bulldog named piggy makes so much more sense, right? Because the Texas Bulldog Piggies sounds so much better.

Bevo and his handlers, the Silver Spurs

Bevo hasn’t always been the peaceful steer you see eating hay on the sidelines in Austin. Bevo II once charged an SMU cheerleader, who was left to defend himself with only his megaphone. I’m sure he was scarred for life. An 1800-pound steer running towards you at full speed? Of course he was. Bevo III once escaped from his enclosure on campus and ran amok. He was finally lassoed 2 days later. He wanted to see the happenings on Texas’ Capitol Hill, apparently. Bevo IV once attacked a parked car, maybe it was red and it made him angry? Bevo V broke loose during a game once and charged the Baylor band.

Former President George W. Bush had Bevo XIII attend his Presidential Inaguration in 2001. This needs no commentary. Bevo is one of the most recognized college mascots in the country, and some people even claim he is the toughest looking animal mascot in sports. I think a Tiger might argue that with you, cow.

In 2002, Texas Alumni group actually suggested to have Bevo fitted with neuticles, or prosthetic testicular implants, to increase his masculinity. Okay then. No wonder he has tried to escape before.

Hook Em’ Piggies.

*DISCLAIMER- Before I get viciously attacked by Texas fans, it’s rival week. It’s all in good fun. If you are angry, please stop taking the Internet so seriously. Myself or Bevo were not harmed in the writing of this story. The SMU cheerleader? He’s still nervous.