Who is the Phoenix Suns' mascot, Go the Gorilla?

Last Modified Sep 11, 2023 08:04 GMT
Phoenix Suns' mascot, Go the Gorilla
Phoenix Suns' mascot, Go the Gorilla, Source: Getty Images

Go the Gorilla is one of the most beloved and famous mascots in the NBA. He made his debut in 1988 and is one of the well-known mascots in the league. He is an integral part of the Phoenix Suns culture and identity and is known for getting the crowd hyped for the game and entertaining them with his wild antics and dance moves.

The Suns had no official mascot for the first eleven seasons until a person made his entry in a gorilla costume to entertain the crowd during halftime. He appeared regularly at Phoenix Suns games to entertain the crowd before they made him their official mascot. Go the Gorilla is known for making fantastic dunks before the 4th quarter.

Go the Gorilla was honored when he was selected to be one of the three inaugural members of the 2005 Mascot Hall of Fame. The Phoenix Suns website suggests that the Go the Gorilla graduated from “Hairy Truman” High School in “Mon-Key West, Florida”, and went to “Fur-Man University” in 1980. With a salary of $200,000 per annum, Go the Gorilla is fourth highest paid mascots in the NBA.

Besides Go the Gorilla, the Suns also have another gorilla as their mascot. His name is “The Gorilla,” and he made his debut in 2009. Go the Gorilla dons a black furred Gorilla costume alongwith Phoenix Suns jersey and shorts. He also attends various community events and charity functions to spread the team’s culture.

Phoenix Suns' mascot, Go the Gorilla
Phoenix Suns' mascot, Go the Gorilla, Source: Getty Images

Go the Gorilla Real Name

According to NBAmascots.com, Go the Gorilla is played by numerous people. They are all full-time employees of the Phoenix Suns who earn between $30,000 to $50,000 per annum. Their exact salaries are not known due to it being confidential data. Go the Gorilla was created by the Phoenix Suns marketing team and it became famous amongst the crowd instantly.

According to online sources, the first person to don the Gorilla’s uniform was Henry Rojas, who wore it from 1980 to 1988. The duties were then given to Bob Woolf, who helped introduce some of the biggest staples. He portrayed Go the Gorilla from 1988 till 2006. The honor was then transferred to Devin Nelson, who performed the mascot duties for the Suns till the 2011-12 season. The newest Go the Gorilla is from Grand Rapid, Michigan and was introduced in the 2012-13 season. He is considered as one of the best mascots in professional sports.

FAQs

A. The Phoenix Suns have kept their mascot as a gorilla since 1980 after one of their fans appeared in a gorilla costume to entertain the Suns audience.

A. Go the Gorilla has been played by 3 different people named Henry Rojas, Bob Woolf and Devin Nelson. The man behind the current Go the Gorilla is not yet revealed.

A. Go the Gorilla is the fourth highest paid mascot in the NBA with an annual salary of around $200,000.

A. According to online sources, NBA mascots’ salaries start from $25,000 per annum, and can go up to $600,000. They can also be hired to perform at private events.

Related Stories

"Cooper is his worst critic" - Cooper Flagg's trainer draws comparison to Kobe Bryant's mentality lauding his work ethic "Cooper is his worst critic" - Cooper Flagg's trainer draws comparison to Kobe Bryant's mentality lauding his work ethic
"Cooper is his worst critic" - Cooper Flagg's trainer draws comparison to Kobe Bryant's mentality lauding his work ethic
LA Clippers vs LA Lakers Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 14 LA Clippers vs LA Lakers Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 14
LA Clippers vs LA Lakers Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 14
"Sooo tired of this bish": LiAngelo Ball's pregnant ex Rashida Nicole seemingly puts Miss Nikki Baby on blast for relentless harassment "Sooo tired of this bish": LiAngelo Ball's pregnant ex Rashida Nicole seemingly puts Miss Nikki Baby on blast for relentless harassment
"Sooo tired of this bish": LiAngelo Ball's pregnant ex Rashida Nicole seemingly puts Miss Nikki Baby on blast for relentless harassment
"Aawww so cute" - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Deion Sanders & others react to Patrick Beverley's proposal to Mandana Bolourchi in Monaco "Aawww so cute" - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Deion Sanders & others react to Patrick Beverley's proposal to Mandana Bolourchi in Monaco
"Aawww so cute" - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Deion Sanders & others react to Patrick Beverley's proposal to Mandana Bolourchi in Monaco
"Wemby’s aura got LeBron saying “wassup” three times": NBA fans react to Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James linking up "Wemby’s aura got LeBron saying “wassup” three times": NBA fans react to Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James linking up
"Wemby’s aura got LeBron saying “wassup” three times": NBA fans react to Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James linking up
1d
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 14 Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 14
Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 14
"Al Horford giving Steve Kerr cold shoulder for Jayson Tatum" - NBA fans erupt as Warriors get curved in last-minute by veteran FA center "Al Horford giving Steve Kerr cold shoulder for Jayson Tatum" - NBA fans erupt as Warriors get curved in last-minute by veteran FA center
"Al Horford giving Steve Kerr cold shoulder for Jayson Tatum" - NBA fans erupt as Warriors get curved in last-minute by veteran FA center
1d
Is Ace Bailey playing tonight against Spurs? Latest on Jazz rookie’s status for NBA Summer League (July 14) Is Ace Bailey playing tonight against Spurs? Latest on Jazz rookie’s status for NBA Summer League (July 14)
Is Ace Bailey playing tonight against Spurs? Latest on Jazz rookie’s status for NBA Summer League (July 14)
Warriors trade rumors: Steph Curry-led Warriors' hot pursuit of dream Seth Curry reunion takes major step Warriors trade rumors: Steph Curry-led Warriors' hot pursuit of dream Seth Curry reunion takes major step
Warriors trade rumors: Steph Curry-led Warriors' hot pursuit of dream Seth Curry reunion takes major step
1d
OKC Thunder vs Orlando Magic Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 15 OKC Thunder vs Orlando Magic Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 15
OKC Thunder vs Orlando Magic Prediction and Preview for 2025 NBA Summer League | July 15
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications