What is the Oregon Ducks Mascot?

The Oregon Ducks football team represents the University of Oregon and plays in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The program was established in 1894 and became the most successful program at the collegiate level in the 2000s. Oregon plays its home games at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene which can accommodate 54,000 fans. Their athletic teams excel in sports such as football, basketball, and track and field. They are partnered with Nike, which was founded by an Oregon alumnus, Phil Knight. The Ducks' biggest rival for decades is the Oregon State Beavers. They also refer to their rivalry as the ‘Civil War.’

Oregon Ducks Mascot

As per the official Oregon Ducks site, The Oregon Ducks’ mascot is a Duck, representing their spirit and pride. The mascot is Disney's Donald Duck creation. This agreement was made due to an informal handshake between Leo Harris, the athletic director from Oregon in 1947, and Walt Disney. The Duck attended numerous games and events throughout the years. This mascot is popularly known for its athletic stunts and quirky antics, most of which are usually showcased during football matches. Fans and the media have often used the name ‘Puddles,’ but this name was used by a living duck mascot used to represent the team in earlier years. The Oregon Duck’s unique identity was secured through a handshake agreement with Disney in the 1940s, a partnership that is still valid, as of 2024.

Oregon Ducks Mascot History

As per the official Oregon Ducks site, the Oregon Ducks mascot legacy dates back to 1940, to a live duck named Puddles. It eventually took the form of a costumed character following an agreement made between athletic director Leo Harris and Walt Disney in 1947, where the university would be allowed to use Donald Duck's character.