The Grizzis the official mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He was introduced when the Memphis Grizzlies moved from Vancouver in 2004. Grizz is a fun-loving character who symbolises the team’s spirited attitude and love for basketball game. The Grizz is a fan favourite for his dance moves, pranks, acrobatics and crowd-winning antics.
Grizz has been an integral part of the team since he joined the team. He is a 7’0” giant bear with big eyes and wears a blue furred costume and also dons a white Grizzlies jersey over the costume. He is known to charge the crowd up in tough situations with his “Grizzly Growl”. He has represented the Memphis Grizzlies at cultural and community events. Grizz has been part of numerous charity events and has helped in raising funds for a noble cause.
Grizz can be seen encouraging children at St. Jude in their battle against cancer. Anybody can support and help the patient fight cancer by donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and be a ‘Friend of Grizz’. The issue is near and dear to Grizz’s heart after he himself defeated cancer in 2008 with the help of the Memphis Grizzlies team. He can also be seen staring in school for a variety of community events through the mid-south.
Grizz’s Salary
The exact salary of Grizz is unknown but an estimate suggests that he earns an approx amount of $50,000 per annum. He is a full-time employee for the Memphis Grizzlies. He is currently portrayed by John Rose, who took over the mantle of Grizz from Eric McMohan. He also makes his earnings through media appearances, videos and commercials he features in.
Grizz has an alter-ego, Super Grizz, who was introduced to celebrate his 10th season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He wears a mask and a cape and engages the crowd by dancing with cheerleaders, playing defence with the fans and dunking on a mini-hoop. He is a great ambassador for the Memphis Grizzlies who spread the message of “Grit and Grind” everywhere. He won the Mascot of the Year award in the 2011 NBA season for his amazing crowd entertainment skills through peer votes.
Grizz will now enter his 19th season with the Memphis Grizzlies to entertain the crowd and cheer his team.
FAQs
A. Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies mascot is a bear named Grizz with a height of 7’0”. He dons a blue furred costume and has black eyes.
A. It was proposed that the name of the team would be Vancouver Mounties, but an objection from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police forced the team to change the name to the Memphis Grizzlies as the place is indigenous to the Grizzlies.
A. Rocky the Mountain Lion is the highest paid mascot with an annual salary of $625,000.
A. The average salary of NBA mascots is $60,000 annually.
