Two summers ago, after over two decades in the NFL, the Houston Texans finally got their first Hall of Famer, as wide receiver Andre Johnson gained entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Well, on Tuesday, the franchise got word that there would be a second Hall of Famer. This one will not receive the same fanfare as Johnson, but it's still pretty fun.
The Houston Texans official mascot, TORO, will be one of five members of the Mascot Hall of Fame, class of 2025. The news was announced by the Mascot Hall of Fame Executive Committee, and was celebrated on social media by the Texans:
H-TOWN'S NEWEST HALL OF FAMER 🤘
Congratulations to @TexansTORO1 on being inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2025! pic.twitter.com/4EGnB3VQyC
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 17, 2025
The Mascot Hall of Fame is where the elite mascots across college, professional, and independent sports are recognized, with 33 inductees already enshrined. Included in this class with TORO will be Sebastian the Ibis (University of Miami, FL), SJ Sharkie (San Jose Sharks), Blitz (Seattle Seahawks), and Fredbird (St. Louis Cardinals).
A mascot is eligible for the Hall by (a) being in existence for at least 10 years and (b) demonstrating a significant impact within their sport and within their community. Mascots that are Hall-worthy are expected to be inspirational, memorable, and innovative. With his activity on social media and in programs like "Take the Bull out of Bullying," TORO certainly checks all the boxes.
Selection is determined by a combination of fan voting online, as well as an executive committee of fellow mascots and professionals throughout the industry.
Houston Texans Senior Mascot Program Manager Andrew Johnson had this to say:
“We are so proud to have TORO inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame and we share this recognition with Texans fans everywhere. The city of Houston helped bring TORO to life by giving him an identity within the community. We can’t wait to celebrate TORO in the Mascot Hall of Fame this season and for him to continue bringing joy to fans of all ages.”
The Hall was established back in 2005 by David Raymond, who was the man behind the Phillie Phanatic costume for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1978 through 1993.
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