The Cleveland Browns are saddened by the loss of their bullmastiff mascot, while PETA urges the team to save a dog from a local animal shelter.

Last week, the Cleveland Browns announced on social media that their beloved live mascot, SJ, passed away at the young age of 5.

The team did not reveal the cause of death.

On Tuesday, the Browns' official Instagram page shared a black and white photo of SJ, their bullmastiff, with the caption, "We are saddened to inform you that our beloved mascot, SJ, has passed away. We are eternally grateful for his unwavering loyalty and the countless memories he helped create for fans of all ages."

SJ!, a true dawg, was mourned by Cleveland fans who left their condolences in the comment section. Milkbone, a snack company for dogs, responded to the post.

On November 10, 2019, SJ made his debut as the Browns' live mascot at 11 months old. The Browns won their game against the Buffalo Bills that day, 19-16.

The day before his debut, a video was posted on X featuring clips of SJ preparing for game day while wearing a gray sweatshirt and listening to the "Rocky" theme song. The caption read, "He's been training for WEEKS for this moment."

FOX Sports' NFL sideline reporter, Erin Andrews, responded to the post "Awwwww ya!!!" with a comment.

According to the Browns website, SJ, one of three live mascots for the team, preferred a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel as a chew toy.

The Cleveland Browns have had other bullmastiff mascots pass away at a young age, despite SJ's untimely demise.

In 2020, Swagger, SJ's dad, passed away suddenly from a stroke after a year of fighting cancer. Justin McLaughlin, Swagger's handler, announced the dog's death on Facebook on February 7, 2020.

On Oct. 13, 2019, Swagger, a 145-pound good boy, was bid farewell by his fans during his final game day appearance against the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns lost 32-28 at home.

On February 22, 2020, an open casket funeral was held for Swagger and live-streamed in a suburb outside of Cleveland. SJ was present at the service and his final goodbye was documented on X. A Cleveland mourner posted to social media that SJ even tried to get into the casket with his dad.

FD Farms in Rootstown Township, Ohio, is the home of both Swagger and SJ, and their website states that they own, show, and breed bullmastiffs, French bulldogs, and Dogue de Bordeauxs.

Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, urged the Browns to revise their mascot and adopt a logo featuring a mixed-breed dog from an overwhelmed local animal shelter, as reported by TMZ Sports.

She stated that generations of selective breeding for a specific appearance have made bullmastiffs susceptible to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart problems, among other painful conditions. She believed Swagger Jr.'s death was a clear indication of an industry that intentionally produces these breeds with breathing difficulties.

At this time, it is uncertain whether the Browns will hire a new bullmastiff as their mascot or hold a memorial service for SJ.

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