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| caption = Gritty in 2021
| caption = Gritty in 2021
| team = [[Philadelphia Flyers]]
| team = [[Philadelphia Flyers]]
| description = Large, unsettling, furry orange creature in Flyers regalia
| description = Large furry orange creature in Flyers regalia
| name_origin =
| name_origin =
| origin =
| origin =
| first_seen = September 24, 2018
| first_seen = September 24, 2018
| related_mascots = [[Phillie Phanatic]]
| related_mascots = [[Phillie Phanatic]], [[Youppi!]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty|NHL.com/flyers/fans/gritty}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty|NHL.com/flyers/fans/gritty}}
}}
}}


'''Gritty''' is the official [[mascot]] for the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). He is a {{convert|7|ft|m|adj=mid|tall}} furry orange creature with [[googly eyes]] who wears Flyers gear.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/philadelphia-flyers-introduce-new-mascot-gritty|title=Flyers introduce new 'Gritty' addition to team|date=September 24, 2018|work=NBC Sports Philadelphia|access-date=September 30, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081530/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/philadelphia-flyers-introduce-new-mascot-gritty |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |first=John |last=Sciarrino|url=https://www.maxim.com/sports/gritty-is-the-nhl-mascot-we-deserve-2018-9|title=The Internet Thinks the Philadelphia Flyers' New Mascot Named 'Gritty' Is a Nightmare|work=Maxim|access-date=September 30, 2018|language=en-us|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930083130/https://www.maxim.com/sports/gritty-is-the-nhl-mascot-we-deserve-2018-9 |date=September 27, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gritty has been compared to the [[Phillie Phanatic]], the mascot for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] baseball team.<ref name=":1" /> He was created by Brian Allen of Flyland Designs with help from David Raymond, the first man to portray the Phillie Phanatic.<ref>{{cite news|title=I'm David Raymond, Creator of Gritty, and This Is How I Work|url=https://lifehacker.com/im-david-raymond-creator-of-gritty-and-this-is-how-i-1829563481|publisher=LifeHacker|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010172443/https://lifehacker.com/im-david-raymond-creator-of-gritty-and-this-is-how-i-1829563481 |first=Nick |last=Douglas |url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Gritty''' is the official [[mascot]] for the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL).<ref name="Introduced"/> He is a {{convert|7|ft|m|adj=mid|tall}} furry orange creature with [[googly eyes]] who wears Flyers gear.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/philadelphia-flyers-introduce-new-mascot-gritty|title=Flyers introduce new 'Gritty' addition to team|date=September 24, 2018|work=NBC Sports Philadelphia|access-date=September 30, 2018|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081530/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/philadelphia-flyers-introduce-new-mascot-gritty |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |first=John |last=Sciarrino|url=https://www.maxim.com/sports/gritty-is-the-nhl-mascot-we-deserve-2018-9|title=The Internet Thinks the Philadelphia Flyers' New Mascot Named 'Gritty' Is a Nightmare|work=Maxim|access-date=September 30, 2018|language=en-us|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930083130/https://www.maxim.com/sports/gritty-is-the-nhl-mascot-we-deserve-2018-9 |date=September 27, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gritty has been compared to the [[Phillie Phanatic]], the mascot for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] baseball team.<ref name=":1" /> He was created by Brian Allen of Flyland Designs with help from David Raymond, the first man to portray the Phillie Phanatic.<ref>{{cite news|title=I'm David Raymond, Creator of Gritty, and This Is How I Work|url=https://lifehacker.com/im-david-raymond-creator-of-gritty-and-this-is-how-i-1829563481|publisher=LifeHacker|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010172443/https://lifehacker.com/im-david-raymond-creator-of-gritty-and-this-is-how-i-1829563481 |first=Nick |last=Douglas |url-status=live}}</ref>


Gritty was introduced on September 24, 2018.<ref name="Introduced">{{cite news|title=Flyers Introduce Official Team Mascot|url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-introduce-official-team-mascot--philadelphia-flyers/c-300359452?tid=281464512|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L.P.|website=PhiladelphiaFlyers.com|date=September 24, 2018|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003100949/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-introduce-official-team-mascot--philadelphia-flyers/c-300359452?tid=281464512|url-status=live}}</ref> According to his official biography, Gritty emerged after construction at the [[Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)|Wells Fargo Center]], the Flyers' home arena, disturbed his secret hideout.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty | title=Gritty | website=nhl.com/flyers | access-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108122815/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty | url-status=live }}</ref> Within the months following his debut, Gritty became an internet sensation and made appearances on several talk shows.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46372908 | title=Gritty: How a NHL mascot became an internet sensation | website=BBC News | date=November 28, 2018 | access-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-date=January 9, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109115404/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46372908 | url-status=live }}</ref> Since his creation, he has been met with increasingly positive reviews. Gritty was the last U.S. pro sports mascot unveiled to the public prior to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].
Gritty was introduced on September 24, 2018.<ref name="Introduced">{{cite news|title=Flyers Introduce Official Team Mascot|url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-introduce-official-team-mascot--philadelphia-flyers/c-300359452?tid=281464512|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L.P.|website=PhiladelphiaFlyers.com|date=September 24, 2018|access-date=October 3, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003100949/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-introduce-official-team-mascot--philadelphia-flyers/c-300359452?tid=281464512|url-status=live}}</ref> According to his official biography, Gritty emerged after construction at the [[Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)|Wells Fargo Center]], the Flyers' home arena, disturbed his secret hideout.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty | title=Gritty | website=nhl.com/flyers | access-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108122815/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/fans/gritty | url-status=live }}</ref> Within the months following his debut, Gritty became an internet sensation and made appearances on several talk shows.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46372908 | title=Gritty: How a NHL mascot became an internet sensation | website=BBC News | date=November 28, 2018 | access-date=January 8, 2019 | archive-date=January 9, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109115404/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46372908 | url-status=live }}</ref>


==Creation==
==Creation==
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On October 13, 2019, the first ever "Gritty anti-runners 5K" took place. This 5K race included Gritty's favorite things along the track, including hot dogs, silly string, and a shrine to [[Claude Giroux]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/gritty-flyers-5k-race-philadelphia-2019-20190829.html|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=August 29, 2019|access-date=January 13, 2020|title=A Gritty-themed 'anti-runners' 5k is happening|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113222927/https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/gritty-flyers-5k-race-philadelphia-2019-20190829.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On October 13, 2019, the first ever "Gritty anti-runners 5K" took place. This 5K race included Gritty's favorite things along the track, including hot dogs, silly string, and a shrine to [[Claude Giroux]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/gritty-flyers-5k-race-philadelphia-2019-20190829.html|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=August 29, 2019|access-date=January 13, 2020|title=A Gritty-themed 'anti-runners' 5k is happening|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113222927/https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/gritty-flyers-5k-race-philadelphia-2019-20190829.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In November 2019, during a fan meet-and-greet between Gritty and Flyers [[season ticket]] holders, a fan reported that the Flyers employee portraying Gritty punched their 13-year-old son in the back. After an internal investigation by the Flyers led to no other witnesses of such abuse, the fan reported the incident to the [[Philadelphia Police Department]], which has led to its own investigation. On February 3, 2020, the Flyers employee portraying Gritty was officially cleared of any wrongdoing and charges were declined to be filed following an investigation conducted by the South Detectives Division of the Philadelphia Police Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/flyers-gritty-assault-boy-philadelphia-police-investigation-20200122.html|title=Did Gritty punch a 13-year-old boy in the back? Philadelphia detectives are investigating.|first=Christian|last=Hetrick|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=January 22, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125165656/https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/flyers-gritty-assault-boy-philadelphia-police-investigation-20200122.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/01/22/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-police-investigating-claim-physically-assaulted-teen-boy-during-photo-shoot/|title=Philadelphia Police Investigating Claim Flyers Mascot Gritty Physically Assaulted Teen Boy During Photo Shoot|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125005055/https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/01/22/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-police-investigating-claim-physically-assaulted-teen-boy-during-photo-shoot/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadstreethockey.com/2020/1/23/21078804/everyone-is-talking-about-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-lawsuit|title=Everyone is talking about Gritty|first=Stephanie|last=Driver|date=January 23, 2020|website=Broad Street Hockey|access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125165706/https://www.broadstreethockey.com/2020/1/23/21078804/everyone-is-talking-about-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-lawsuit|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2019, during a fan meet-and-greet between Gritty and Flyers [[season ticket]] holders, a fan reported that the Flyers employee portraying Gritty punched their 13-year-old son in the back. After an internal investigation by the Flyers led to no other witnesses of such abuse, the fan reported the incident to the [[Philadelphia Police Department]], which led its own investigation. On February 3, 2020, the Flyers employee portraying Gritty was officially cleared of any wrongdoing and charges were not filed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/flyers-gritty-assault-boy-philadelphia-police-investigation-20200122.html|title=Did Gritty punch a 13-year-old boy in the back? Philadelphia detectives are investigating.|first=Christian|last=Hetrick|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=January 22, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125165656/https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/flyers-gritty-assault-boy-philadelphia-police-investigation-20200122.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/01/22/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-police-investigating-claim-physically-assaulted-teen-boy-during-photo-shoot/|title=Philadelphia Police Investigating Claim Flyers Mascot Gritty Physically Assaulted Teen Boy During Photo Shoot|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125005055/https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/01/22/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-police-investigating-claim-physically-assaulted-teen-boy-during-photo-shoot/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadstreethockey.com/2020/1/23/21078804/everyone-is-talking-about-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-lawsuit|title=Everyone is talking about Gritty|first=Stephanie|last=Driver|date=January 23, 2020|website=Broad Street Hockey|access-date=January 25, 2020|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125165706/https://www.broadstreethockey.com/2020/1/23/21078804/everyone-is-talking-about-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-lawsuit|url-status=live}}</ref>


Gritty introduced the [[Philadelphia Fusion]], an [[Overwatch (video game)#Esports|''Overwatch'' esports]] team, during its 2019 and 2020 home-stand matches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rand |first1=Emily |title=Overwatch: Grit, and Gritty, lead Fusion to 2-0 start |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26020708/grit-gritty-lead-philadelphia-fusion-2-0-start-overwatch-league-season-2 |access-date=26 January 2021 |work=ESPN |date=February 17, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030511/https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26020708/grit-gritty-lead-philadelphia-fusion-2-0-start-overwatch-league-season-2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=overwatchleague |number=1228823012176224256 |title=HIs majesty, the fuzzy orange king of Philly, graces us with his presence!}}</ref>
Gritty introduced the [[Philadelphia Fusion]], an [[Overwatch (video game)#Esports|''Overwatch'' esports]] team, during its 2019 and 2020 home-stand matches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rand |first1=Emily |title=Overwatch: Grit, and Gritty, lead Fusion to 2-0 start |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26020708/grit-gritty-lead-philadelphia-fusion-2-0-start-overwatch-league-season-2 |access-date=26 January 2021 |work=ESPN |date=February 17, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030511/https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26020708/grit-gritty-lead-philadelphia-fusion-2-0-start-overwatch-league-season-2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=overwatchleague |number=1228823012176224256 |title=HIs majesty, the fuzzy orange king of Philly, graces us with his presence!}}</ref>
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In May 2020, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania]], Gritty began wearing a [[face shield]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=GrittyNHL |number=1260371902889164801 |date=May 12, 2020 |title=No one cared who I was until I put on the mask.}}</ref> In September, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health released a promotional video featuring Gritty to encourage wearing [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] in public,<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=Henninger|first=Danya|date=December 23, 2020|title=Philly health department clears Gritty for Flyers games, NHL relents|url=https://billypenn.com/2020/12/23/gritty-petition-essential-covid-flyers-health-department-philadelphia/|access-date=January 14, 2020|website=[[Billy Penn]]|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223135928/https://billypenn.com/2020/12/23/gritty-petition-essential-covid-flyers-health-department-philadelphia/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in December the department and the NHL cleared Gritty to resume public appearances at Flyers games.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Budryk|first=Zack|date=December 23, 2020|title=NHL, Philadelphia health department clear Flyers mascot Gritty to attend games after petition|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/531481-nhl-philadelphia-health-department-clear-flyers-mascot-gritty-to-attend|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223194229/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/531481-nhl-philadelphia-health-department-clear-flyers-mascot-gritty-to-attend|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2020, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania]], Gritty began wearing a [[face shield]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=GrittyNHL |number=1260371902889164801 |date=May 12, 2020 |title=No one cared who I was until I put on the mask.}}</ref> In September, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health released a promotional video featuring Gritty to encourage wearing [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] in public,<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=Henninger|first=Danya|date=December 23, 2020|title=Philly health department clears Gritty for Flyers games, NHL relents|url=https://billypenn.com/2020/12/23/gritty-petition-essential-covid-flyers-health-department-philadelphia/|access-date=January 14, 2020|website=[[Billy Penn]]|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223135928/https://billypenn.com/2020/12/23/gritty-petition-essential-covid-flyers-health-department-philadelphia/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in December the department and the NHL cleared Gritty to resume public appearances at Flyers games.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Budryk|first=Zack|date=December 23, 2020|title=NHL, Philadelphia health department clear Flyers mascot Gritty to attend games after petition|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/531481-nhl-philadelphia-health-department-clear-flyers-mascot-gritty-to-attend|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223194229/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/531481-nhl-philadelphia-health-department-clear-flyers-mascot-gritty-to-attend|url-status=live}}</ref>


Gritty appeared in the ''[[Family Guy]]'' episode: "Cootie & The Blowhard", which aired on November 7, 2021 on [[Fox Broadcasting Company |Fox]].<ref name=CootieBlowhard>{{cite news|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/20211015fox17/|title=Cootie & The Blowhard|date=November 7, 2021|work=[[The Futon Critic]]|access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref> Gritty appeared in the season premiere of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s Philadelphia-set sitcom ''[[Abbott Elementary]]'' in the season two premiere, "Development Day". The episode premiered on September 21, 2022.<ref name="DevelopmentDay">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/abbott-elementary-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-1235379725/|title=Philadelphia Flyers Mascot Gritty on His 'Abbott Elementary' Cameo: 'I'm Not in the Business of Explaining Myself' (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Hailu|first=Selome|date=21 September 2022|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=October 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012231455/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/abbott-elementary-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-1235379725/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gritty made a professional wrestling appearance at [[WWE]]'s [[Extreme Rules (2022)|Extreme Rules]] event held on October 8, 2022, getting beaten by [[The Miz]] backstage who was looking for [[Dexter Lumis]]. Eventually, after Lumis put Miz to sleep, Gritty attacked him and left.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mahjouri |first=Shakiel |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-wwe-extreme-rules-results-recap-grades-bray-wyatt-returns-ronda-rousey-reclaims-title-in-wild-show/live/ |title=2022 WWE Extreme Rules results, recap, grades: Bray Wyatt returns, Ronda Rousey reclaims title in wild show |publisher=CBS Sports |date=2022-10-09 |accessdate=2023-01-27 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205162246/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-wwe-extreme-rules-results-recap-grades-bray-wyatt-returns-ronda-rousey-reclaims-title-in-wild-show/live/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Gritty appeared in season sixteen of [[FX_(TV_channel)|FX]]'s Philadelphia-set sitcom ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' in episode five, "Celebrity Booze: The Ultimate Cash Grab". The episode premiered on June 28, 2023.<ref name="CashGrab">{{cite news|url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-gritty-bryan-cranston-aaron-paul/|title=Gritty makes his debut on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' |last=Hunt|first=Kristin|date=30 June 2023|work=Philly Voice|access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref> Gritty appeared in the ''[[Albie's Elevator]]'' episode: "Big Orange Fuzzy Thing".<ref name="BigOrangeFuzzyThing">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgB2dJ4-SnA|title=Albie's Elevator: Big Orange Fuzzy Thing|work=[[YouTube]]|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
Gritty appeared in the ''[[Family Guy]]'' episode: "Cootie & The Blowhard", which aired on November 7, 2021 on [[Fox Broadcasting Company |Fox]].<ref name=CootieBlowhard>{{cite news|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/listings/20211015fox17/|title=Cootie & The Blowhard|date=November 7, 2021|work=[[The Futon Critic]]|access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref> Gritty appeared in [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s Philadelphia-set sitcom ''[[Abbott Elementary]]'' in the season two premiere, "Development Day", which premiered on September 21, 2022.<ref name="DevelopmentDay">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/abbott-elementary-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-1235379725/|title=Philadelphia Flyers Mascot Gritty on His 'Abbott Elementary' Cameo: 'I'm Not in the Business of Explaining Myself' (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Hailu|first=Selome|date=21 September 2022|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=October 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012231455/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/abbott-elementary-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-mascot-1235379725/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gritty made a professional wrestling appearance at [[WWE]]'s [[Extreme Rules (2022)|Extreme Rules]] event held on October 8, 2022, getting beaten by [[The Miz]] backstage who was looking for [[Dexter Lumis]]. Eventually, after Lumis put Miz to sleep, Gritty attacked him and left.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mahjouri |first=Shakiel |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-wwe-extreme-rules-results-recap-grades-bray-wyatt-returns-ronda-rousey-reclaims-title-in-wild-show/live/ |title=2022 WWE Extreme Rules results, recap, grades: Bray Wyatt returns, Ronda Rousey reclaims title in wild show |work=CBS Sports |date=2022-10-09 |accessdate=2023-01-27 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205162246/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-wwe-extreme-rules-results-recap-grades-bray-wyatt-returns-ronda-rousey-reclaims-title-in-wild-show/live/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Gritty appeared in season sixteen of [[FX_(TV_channel)|FX]]'s Philadelphia-set sitcom ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' in episode five, "Celebrity Booze: The Ultimate Cash Grab". The episode premiered on June 28, 2023.<ref name="CashGrab">{{cite news|url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-gritty-bryan-cranston-aaron-paul/|title=Gritty makes his debut on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' |last=Hunt|first=Kristin|date=30 June 2023|work=Philly Voice|access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref> Gritty appeared in the ''[[Albie's Elevator]]'' episode: "Big Orange Fuzzy Thing".<ref name="BigOrangeFuzzyThing">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgB2dJ4-SnA|title=Albie's Elevator: Big Orange Fuzzy Thing|work=[[YouTube]]|date=June 14, 2023 |access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref> Gritty appeared on the Philadelphia-set finale of the [[The Amazing Race 36|thirty-sixth season]] of the [[CBS]] reality competition show ''[[The Amazing Race (American TV series)|The Amazing Race]]'', which aired on May 15, 2024.<ref name=LongestMinute>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-amazing-race-season-36-trailer-puerto-vallarta-1235924964/|title='The Amazing Race' Emotional Season 36 Trailer Kicks Things Off in Puerto Vallarta (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=February 28, 2024|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=February 28, 2024}}</ref>


=== Filmography ===
=== Filmography ===
Line 60: Line 60:
| ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]''
| ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]''
| Episode: "Celebrity Booze: The Ultimate Cash Grab"<ref name=CashGrab/>
| Episode: "Celebrity Booze: The Ultimate Cash Grab"<ref name=CashGrab/>
|-
| 2024
| ''[[The Amazing Race]]''
| Episode: "The Longest Minute of Your Life"<ref name=LongestMinute/>
|}
|}


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Observers brought attention to his appearance, which could be construed as frightening,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://6abc.com/sports/meet-gritty-the-flyers-new-team-mascot/4327263/|title=Meet Gritty: The Flyers' new team mascot|date=September 24, 2018|work=6abc Philadelphia|access-date=September 30, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081522/https://6abc.com/sports/meet-gritty-the-flyers-new-team-mascot/4327263/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> while ''[[The Guardian]]'' described him as an "[[Psychedelic experience|acid trip]] of a mascot."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/sep/27/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-phanatic|title=Gritty: why the Philadelphia Flyers' new acid trip of a mascot must be stopped|last=Cantor|first=Matthew|date=September 27, 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=February 24, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=February 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223181936/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/sep/27/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-phanatic|url-status=live}}</ref> Response to Gritty's introduction was immediate and sharply mixed, with many fans on social media expressing bewilderment and some fright at his appearance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/its-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-new-mascot-is-pure-unadulterated-nightmare-fuel/ |title=It's Gritty! Philadelphia Flyers New Mascot is Pure Unadulterated Nightmare Fuel |last=Blackburn |first=Pete |work=CBS Sports |date=September 25, 2018 |access-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011205303/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/its-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-new-mascot-is-pure-unadulterated-nightmare-fuel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Public perception of Gritty became increasingly positive as Gritty's antics, which subverted the cuddly, family-friendly appearance and demeanor of other NHL mascots, gained more attention on social media.<ref name="Jeremy Schneider">{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/10/gritty_has_been_with_us_for_two_weeks_and_the_worl.html|title=9 Ridiculous Things Gritty, the Flyers' New Insane Mascot, has Already Done|author=Jeremy Schneider|date=11 October 2018 |publisher=nj.com|access-date=October 11, 2019|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011205306/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/10/gritty_has_been_with_us_for_two_weeks_and_the_worl.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gritty was lampooned on ''[[Last Week Tonight with John Oliver]]'' and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nick Vadala |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/brett-kavanugh-gritty-flyers-john-oliver-hbo-20181001.html |title=John Oliver compares Brett Kavanaugh to Flyers mascot Gritty on 'Last Week Tonight' |publisher=.philly.com |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151641/http://www2.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/brett-kavanugh-gritty-flyers-john-oliver-hbo-20181001.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=EJ Smith |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/snl-gritty-saturday-night-live-flyers-mascot-colin-jost-20180930.html |title='Saturday Night Live's' Weekend Update takes its shot at Gritty |publisher=philly.com |date=September 30, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151616/http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/snl-gritty-saturday-night-live-flyers-mascot-colin-jost-20180930.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Observers brought attention to his appearance, which could be construed as frightening,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://6abc.com/sports/meet-gritty-the-flyers-new-team-mascot/4327263/|title=Meet Gritty: The Flyers' new team mascot|date=September 24, 2018|work=6abc Philadelphia|access-date=September 30, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930081522/https://6abc.com/sports/meet-gritty-the-flyers-new-team-mascot/4327263/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> while ''[[The Guardian]]'' described him as an "[[Psychedelic experience|acid trip]] of a mascot."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/sep/27/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-phanatic|title=Gritty: why the Philadelphia Flyers' new acid trip of a mascot must be stopped|last=Cantor|first=Matthew|date=September 27, 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=February 24, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=February 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223181936/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/sep/27/gritty-flyers-mascot-philadelphia-phanatic|url-status=live}}</ref> Response to Gritty's introduction was immediate and sharply mixed, with many fans on social media expressing bewilderment and some fright at his appearance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/its-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-new-mascot-is-pure-unadulterated-nightmare-fuel/ |title=It's Gritty! Philadelphia Flyers New Mascot is Pure Unadulterated Nightmare Fuel |last=Blackburn |first=Pete |work=CBS Sports |date=September 25, 2018 |access-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011205303/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/its-gritty-philadelphia-flyers-new-mascot-is-pure-unadulterated-nightmare-fuel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Public perception of Gritty became increasingly positive as Gritty's antics, which subverted the cuddly, family-friendly appearance and demeanor of other NHL mascots, gained more attention on social media.<ref name="Jeremy Schneider">{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/10/gritty_has_been_with_us_for_two_weeks_and_the_worl.html|title=9 Ridiculous Things Gritty, the Flyers' New Insane Mascot, has Already Done|author=Jeremy Schneider|date=11 October 2018 |publisher=nj.com|access-date=October 11, 2019|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011205306/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/10/gritty_has_been_with_us_for_two_weeks_and_the_worl.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gritty was lampooned on ''[[Last Week Tonight with John Oliver]]'' and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nick Vadala |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/brett-kavanugh-gritty-flyers-john-oliver-hbo-20181001.html |title=John Oliver compares Brett Kavanaugh to Flyers mascot Gritty on 'Last Week Tonight' |publisher=.philly.com |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151641/http://www2.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/brett-kavanugh-gritty-flyers-john-oliver-hbo-20181001.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=EJ Smith |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/snl-gritty-saturday-night-live-flyers-mascot-colin-jost-20180930.html |title='Saturday Night Live's' Weekend Update takes its shot at Gritty |publisher=philly.com |date=September 30, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151616/http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/snl-gritty-saturday-night-live-flyers-mascot-colin-jost-20180930.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Philadelphia residents embraced Gritty shortly after his debut as representing the city's rough and tumble character.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ellie Silverman |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/retail/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-wharton-marketing-20181013.html |title=What is Gritty? A 'lovable monster,' the orange embodiment of Philly and the Flyers, or a brand marketing breakthrough? |publisher=.philly.com |date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151608/http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/retail/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-wharton-marketing-20181013.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Verge">{{cite web |last1=Stephen |first1=Bijan |title=Gritty became a leftist meme because Philly loves a righteous hooligan |work=[[The Verge]] |date=2018-10-17 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/17/17990016/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-leftists-activism-protest-symbol |language=en |access-date=2020-11-08 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107161509/https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/17/17990016/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-leftists-activism-protest-symbol |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Philadelphia City Council]] passed a formal resolution honoring Gritty in October, declaring that he honored the city's spirit and passion.<ref name="NYT"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/10/26/660905872/gritty-stuff-of-nightmares-has-been-officially-welcomed-to-philadelphia |title=Gritty, Stuff Of Nightmares, Has Been Officially Welcomed To Philadelphia |publisher=NPR |date=April 18, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028090813/https://www.npr.org/2018/10/26/660905872/gritty-stuff-of-nightmares-has-been-officially-welcomed-to-philadelphia |url-status=live }}</ref> Within two months, the mascot amassed almost 200,000 [[Twitter]] followers.<ref name="BBC"/> Gritty was the top league mascot in a 2019 vote of the [[NHL Players' Association]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Cale Ahearn |url=https://fox43.com/2019/03/20/gritty-voted-nhls-best-team-mascot/ |title=Gritty voted NHL's Best Team Mascot &#124; WPMT FOX43 |publisher=Fox43.com |date=March 20, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321150023/https://fox43.com/2019/03/20/gritty-voted-nhls-best-team-mascot/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Philadelphia residents embraced Gritty shortly after his debut as representing the city's “rough and tumble character”.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ellie Silverman |url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/retail/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-wharton-marketing-20181013.html |title=What is Gritty? A 'lovable monster,' the orange embodiment of Philly and the Flyers, or a brand marketing breakthrough? |publisher=.philly.com |date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151608/http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/retail/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-wharton-marketing-20181013.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Verge">{{cite web |last1=Stephen |first1=Bijan |title=Gritty became a leftist meme because Philly loves a righteous hooligan |work=[[The Verge]] |date=2018-10-17 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/17/17990016/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-leftists-activism-protest-symbol |language=en |access-date=2020-11-08 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107161509/https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/17/17990016/gritty-philadelphia-flyers-leftists-activism-protest-symbol |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Philadelphia City Council]] passed a formal resolution in 2018 honoring Gritty, declaring that he honored the city's spirit and passion.<ref name="NYT"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/10/26/660905872/gritty-stuff-of-nightmares-has-been-officially-welcomed-to-philadelphia |title=Gritty, Stuff Of Nightmares, Has Been Officially Welcomed To Philadelphia |publisher=NPR |date=April 18, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028090813/https://www.npr.org/2018/10/26/660905872/gritty-stuff-of-nightmares-has-been-officially-welcomed-to-philadelphia |url-status=live }}</ref> Within two months, the mascot amassed almost 200,000 [[Twitter]] followers.<ref name="BBC"/> Gritty was the top league mascot in a 2019 vote of the [[NHL Players' Association]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Cale Ahearn |url=https://fox43.com/2019/03/20/gritty-voted-nhls-best-team-mascot/ |title=Gritty voted NHL's Best Team Mascot &#124; WPMT FOX43 |publisher=Fox43.com |date=March 20, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321150023/https://fox43.com/2019/03/20/gritty-voted-nhls-best-team-mascot/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

⚫
Gritty has been employed as a [[American Left|leftist]] icon, as activists identified with the mascot's "cheerful, unkempt, maniacal demeanor",{{r|NYT}} and googly-eyed, [[Anarchism in the United States|anarchic]] mirth. Gritty appeared on a banner at a Philadelphia protest against [[Donald Trump]] a week after his debut and was spread through leftist online forums and [[Internet meme]] groups,{{r|Verge}} which depicted Gritty with themes of [[anti-capitalism]], [[socialism]], and [[Antifa (United States)|anti-fascism]].{{r|NYT}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/flyers/2018/10/03/anti-trump-protesters-signs-flyers-new-mascot-gritty/1516057002/ |title=Anti-Trump protesters feature signs with Flyers' new mascot, Gritty |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=2018-07-25 |accessdate=2023-01-27 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127174819/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/flyers/2018/10/03/anti-trump-protesters-signs-flyers-new-mascot-gritty/1516057002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/how-the-left-won-the-war-for-gritty|title=How the Left Won the War for Gritty, the New Mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers|magazine=The New Yorker|first=Ian|last=Crouch|date=October 10, 2018|accessdate=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127195938/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/how-the-left-won-the-war-for-gritty|url-status=live}}</ref> Philadelphia City Council member [[Helen Gym]] described the Trump vs. Gritty phenomenon as "one orange horror has been met with another."<ref>{{cite web|last=VanDerWerff|first=Emily|date=2018-12-24|title=Gritty's evolution from googly-eyed hockey mascot to meme to leftist avatar, explained|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/24/18145323/gritty-explained-mascot-flyers-meme-leftist|access-date=2020-11-10|website=Vox|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107015719/https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/24/18145323/gritty-explained-mascot-flyers-meme-leftist|url-status=live}}</ref> When Philadelphia played an important role in determining the [[2020 United States presidential election]], social media users depicted Gritty, as the city personified, defeating outgoing incumbent Trump, which included appropriating Trump's statement that "Bad things happen in Philadelphia!".<ref>{{cite web |last1=VanDerWerff |first1=Emily |title=Gritty memes: Why is the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Donald Trump's enemy? |work=Vox |date=2020-11-06 |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/11/6/21553085/gritty-memes-2020-election-trump-biden |language=en |access-date=2020-11-08 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108032842/https://www.vox.com/2020/11/6/21553085/gritty-memes-2020-election-trump-biden |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1324750855309021185|user=JonathanCohn|title=All of the Gritty memes are giving me life. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmJ12x4WoAAI3Oq|author=Jonathan Cohn|date=2020-11-06|access-date=2023-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21674795221106115?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.28 | doi=10.1177/21674795221106115 | title="A Manifestation of Their City as a God": Gritty Memes, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and Online Representations of Home | year=2023 | last1=Harrison | first1=Virginia S. | last2=Boatwright | first2=Brandon | last3=Bober | first3=Joseph | journal=Communication & Sport | volume=11 | issue=2 | pages=356–384 | s2cid=249859238 | access-date=July 9, 2023 | archive-date=July 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709002913/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21674795221106115?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.28 | url-status=live }}</ref>


Philadelphia composer [[Melissa Dunphy]] adapted text from Philadelphia City Council member Helen Gym's, ''“A Resolution”'' for her choral composition "A Gritty Resolution". The piece is a humorous ode to the city's mascot and was commissioned and performed by the Philadelphia a capella group Philharmonia in 2024.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Farr |first=Stephanie |date=June 7, 2024 |title=A glorious choral hymn about Gritty premieres this weekend |url=https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/gritty-resolution-song-philharmonia-20240607.html |journal=The Philadelphia Inquirer |via=The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC}}</ref>
⚫
Gritty was employed as a [[American Left|leftist]] icon, as activists identified with the mascot's "cheerful, unkempt, maniacal demeanor",{{r|NYT}} and googly-eyed, [[Anarchism in the United States|anarchic]] mirth. Gritty appeared on a Philadelphia [[anti-Trump]] protest banner a week after his debut and was spread through leftist online forums and [[Internet meme]] groups,{{r|Verge}} which depicted Gritty with themes of [[anti-capitalism]], [[socialism]], and [[Antifa (United States)|anti-fascism]].{{r|NYT}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/flyers/2018/10/03/anti-trump-protesters-signs-flyers-new-mascot-gritty/1516057002/ |title=Anti-Trump protesters feature signs with Flyers' new mascot, Gritty |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=2018-07-25 |accessdate=2023-01-27 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127174819/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/flyers/2018/10/03/anti-trump-protesters-signs-flyers-new-mascot-gritty/1516057002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/how-the-left-won-the-war-for-gritty|title=How the Left Won the War for Gritty, the New Mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers|magazine=The New Yorker|first=Ian|last=Crouch|date=October 10, 2018|accessdate=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127195938/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/how-the-left-won-the-war-for-gritty|url-status=live}}</ref> Philadelphia City Council member [[Helen Gym]] described the Trump vs. Gritty phenomenon as "one orange horror has been met with another."<ref>{{cite web|last=VanDerWerff|first=Emily|date=2018-12-24|title=Gritty's evolution from googly-eyed hockey mascot to meme to leftist avatar, explained|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/24/18145323/gritty-explained-mascot-flyers-meme-leftist|access-date=2020-11-10|website=Vox|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107015719/https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/24/18145323/gritty-explained-mascot-flyers-meme-leftist|url-status=live}}</ref> When Philadelphia played an important role in determining the [[2020 United States presidential election]], social media users depicted Gritty, as the city personified, defeating outgoing incumbent [[Donald Trump]], which included appropriating Trump's statement that "Bad things happen in Philadelphia!".<ref>{{cite web |last1=VanDerWerff |first1=Emily |title=Gritty memes: Why is the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Donald Trump's enemy? |work=Vox |date=2020-11-06 |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/11/6/21553085/gritty-memes-2020-election-trump-biden |language=en |access-date=2020-11-08 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108032842/https://www.vox.com/2020/11/6/21553085/gritty-memes-2020-election-trump-biden |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1324750855309021185|user=JonathanCohn|title=All of the Gritty memes are giving me life. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmJ12x4WoAAI3Oq|author=Jonathan Cohn|date=2020-11-06|access-date=2023-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21674795221106115?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.28 | doi=10.1177/21674795221106115 | title="A Manifestation of Their City as a God": Gritty Memes, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and Online Representations of Home | year=2023 | last1=Harrison | first1=Virginia S. | last2=Boatwright | first2=Brandon | last3=Bober | first3=Joseph | journal=Communication & Sport | volume=11 | issue=2 | pages=356–384 | s2cid=249859238 | access-date=July 9, 2023 | archive-date=July 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709002913/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21674795221106115?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.28 | url-status=live }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Fictional monsters]]
[[Category:Fictional monsters]]
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[[Category:Monster mascots]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Flyers]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Flyers]]
[[Category:National Hockey League team mascots]]
[[Category:National Hockey League team mascots]]
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[[Category:Sports mascots in the United States]]
[[Category:Mascots introduced in 2018]]
[[Category:Mascots introduced in 2018]]
[[Category:2018 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:2018 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Anti-fascism in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 19:10, 28 November 2024

For other uses, see Grit.
Gritty
Gritty in 2021
TeamPhiladelphia Flyers
DescriptionLarge furry orange creature in Flyers regalia
First seenSeptember 24, 2018
Related mascot(s)Phillie Phanatic, Youppi!
WebsiteNHL.com/flyers/fans/gritty

Gritty is the official mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1] He is a 7-foot tall (2.1 m) furry orange creature with googly eyes who wears Flyers gear.[2][3] Gritty has been compared to the Phillie Phanatic, the mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.[4] He was created by Brian Allen of Flyland Designs with help from David Raymond, the first man to portray the Phillie Phanatic.[5]

Gritty was introduced on September 24, 2018.[1] According to his official biography, Gritty emerged after construction at the Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers' home arena, disturbed his secret hideout.[6] Within the months following his debut, Gritty became an internet sensation and made appearances on several talk shows.[7]

Creation

[edit]

Prior to the 2018–19 NHL season, the only two National Hockey League teams without an official mascot were the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers.[8] The Flyers' first mascot, Slapshot, lasted only for the 1976–77 season.[9] In 1995, the Washington Capitals introduced their own Slapshot, named by fifth-grade student Stephanie Williams in a contest.[10]

The impetus behind Gritty's creation started when the Flyers' marketing department attended the mascot events at the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville, Tennessee, and realized that they were missing out on all the marketing and community outreach programs that the league's mascots were generating for their respective teams.[11] The Flyers then commissioned Brian Allen of Flyland Designs in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to design Gritty in August 2018.[12][13] David Raymond, who portrayed the Phillie Phanatic, consulted on Gritty's creation.[14] The Flyers organization wanted Gritty to have a rather intimidating appearance, as "someone you'd high-five but not hug", according to Allen.[8]

Career

[edit]
Gritty at the 2019 NHL All-Star Game

Gritty was introduced on September 24, 2018,[1] and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon several days later.[15][16] Gritty was active on social media from his debut: his odd appearance and stunts on Twitter, such as seeming to threaten the mascot of the Pittsburgh Penguins and recreating Kim Kardashian's "Break the Internet" photograph, contributed to his rise in infamy. Within days, Gritty's Twitter account had more followers than any other NHL mascot.[7] In his first on-ice appearance, Gritty fell while firing T-shirts into the crowd from a T-shirt cannon.[17] In his second appearance on ice, Gritty body-checked contestants in a goalie race during an intermission and shot a Flyers staff member with a T-shirt cannon.[17][18]

On October 13, 2019, the first ever "Gritty anti-runners 5K" took place. This 5K race included Gritty's favorite things along the track, including hot dogs, silly string, and a shrine to Claude Giroux.[19]

In November 2019, during a fan meet-and-greet between Gritty and Flyers season ticket holders, a fan reported that the Flyers employee portraying Gritty punched their 13-year-old son in the back. After an internal investigation by the Flyers led to no other witnesses of such abuse, the fan reported the incident to the Philadelphia Police Department, which led its own investigation. On February 3, 2020, the Flyers employee portraying Gritty was officially cleared of any wrongdoing and charges were not filed.[20][21][22]

Gritty introduced the Philadelphia Fusion, an Overwatch esports team, during its 2019 and 2020 home-stand matches.[23][24]

In May 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania, Gritty began wearing a face shield.[25] In September, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health released a promotional video featuring Gritty to encourage wearing face masks in public,[26] and in December the department and the NHL cleared Gritty to resume public appearances at Flyers games.[26][27]

Gritty appeared in the Family Guy episode: "Cootie & The Blowhard", which aired on November 7, 2021 on Fox.[28] Gritty appeared in ABC's Philadelphia-set sitcom Abbott Elementary in the season two premiere, "Development Day", which premiered on September 21, 2022.[29] Gritty made a professional wrestling appearance at WWE's Extreme Rules event held on October 8, 2022, getting beaten by The Miz backstage who was looking for Dexter Lumis. Eventually, after Lumis put Miz to sleep, Gritty attacked him and left.[30] Gritty appeared in season sixteen of FX's Philadelphia-set sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia in episode five, "Celebrity Booze: The Ultimate Cash Grab". The episode premiered on June 28, 2023.[31] Gritty appeared in the Albie's Elevator episode: "Big Orange Fuzzy Thing".[32] Gritty appeared on the Philadelphia-set finale of the thirty-sixth season of the CBS reality competition show The Amazing Race, which aired on May 15, 2024.[33]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2021 Family Guy Episode: "Cootie & The Blowhard"[28]
2022 Abbott Elementary Episode: "Development Day"[29]
2023 Albie's Elevator Episode: "Big Orange Fuzzy Thing"[32]
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Episode: "Celebrity Booze: The Ultimate Cash Grab"[31]
2024 The Amazing Race Episode: "The Longest Minute of Your Life"[33]

Reception

[edit]

Observers brought attention to his appearance, which could be construed as frightening,[4][15] while The Guardian described him as an "acid trip of a mascot."[34] Response to Gritty's introduction was immediate and sharply mixed, with many fans on social media expressing bewilderment and some fright at his appearance.[35] Public perception of Gritty became increasingly positive as Gritty's antics, which subverted the cuddly, family-friendly appearance and demeanor of other NHL mascots, gained more attention on social media.[17] Gritty was lampooned on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Saturday Night Live.[36][37]

Philadelphia residents embraced Gritty shortly after his debut as representing the city's “rough and tumble character”.[38][39] The Philadelphia City Council passed a formal resolution in 2018 honoring Gritty, declaring that he honored the city's spirit and passion.[8][40] Within two months, the mascot amassed almost 200,000 Twitter followers.[7] Gritty was the top league mascot in a 2019 vote of the NHL Players' Association.[41]

Gritty has been employed as a leftist icon, as activists identified with the mascot's "cheerful, unkempt, maniacal demeanor",[8] and googly-eyed, anarchic mirth. Gritty appeared on a banner at a Philadelphia protest against Donald Trump a week after his debut and was spread through leftist online forums and Internet meme groups,[39] which depicted Gritty with themes of anti-capitalism, socialism, and anti-fascism.[8][42][43] Philadelphia City Council member Helen Gym described the Trump vs. Gritty phenomenon as "one orange horror has been met with another."[44] When Philadelphia played an important role in determining the 2020 United States presidential election, social media users depicted Gritty, as the city personified, defeating outgoing incumbent Trump, which included appropriating Trump's statement that "Bad things happen in Philadelphia!".[45][46][47]

Philadelphia composer Melissa Dunphy adapted text from Philadelphia City Council member Helen Gym's, “A Resolution” for her choral composition "A Gritty Resolution". The piece is a humorous ode to the city's mascot and was commissioned and performed by the Philadelphia a capella group Philharmonia in 2024.[48]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Flyers Introduce Official Team Mascot". PhiladelphiaFlyers.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. September 24, 2018. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  2. ^ "Flyers introduce new 'Gritty' addition to team". NBC Sports Philadelphia. September 24, 2018. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  3. ^ Sciarrino, John (September 27, 2018). "The Internet Thinks the Philadelphia Flyers' New Mascot Named 'Gritty' Is a Nightmare". Maxim. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Meet Gritty: The Flyers' new team mascot". 6abc Philadelphia. September 24, 2018. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  5. ^ Douglas, Nick (October 10, 2018). "I'm David Raymond, Creator of Gritty, and This Is How I Work". LifeHacker. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  6. ^ "Gritty". nhl.com/flyers. Archived from the original on January 8, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c "Gritty: How a NHL mascot became an internet sensation". BBC News. November 28, 2018. Archived from the original on January 9, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  8. ^ a b c d e Yuhas, Alan (November 1, 2018). "Gritty's First Month: The Heroic Ascendance of a 'Ghastly Empty-Eyed Muppet'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  9. ^ Macy, Evan (September 27, 2018). "Man inside Flyers' original mascot, Slapshot, has some advice for Gritty". PhillyVoice. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  10. ^ McKee, Sandra (November 18, 1995). "Caps beat selves, give Pens win in OT Defensemen put two in own net in 3-2 loss". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  11. ^ "Gettin' Gritty Wit It: Flyers new mascot a big hit". USA Today. Associated Press. October 4, 2018. Archived from the original on January 9, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  12. ^ Muthler, Lauren (September 24, 2018). "A Bellefonte artist is the man behind the Philadelphia Flyers' 'Gritty' new mascot". Centre Daily Times. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  13. ^ Smolka, Maggie (September 27, 2018). "Bellefonte man helps create Philadelphia Flyer's new mascot". WTAJ. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  14. ^ Ao, Bethany (September 24, 2018). "Gritty, the Flyers' new mascot, is set up for success. (According to the Phillie Phanatic, anyway.)". inquirer.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  15. ^ a b "NHL mascot rankings: Gritty's big debut". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  16. ^ Skiver, Kevin (September 28, 2018). "LOOK: New Flyers mascot Gritty dances with Jimmy Fallon, gets punched by Ricky Gervais". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  17. ^ a b c Jeremy Schneider (October 11, 2018). "9 Ridiculous Things Gritty, the Flyers' New Insane Mascot, has Already Done". nj.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  18. ^ "Gritty stormed the ice and started bodychecking Flyers employees during in-game stunt". Bar Down Sports. September 27, 2018. Archived from the original on October 11, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  19. ^ "A Gritty-themed 'anti-runners' 5k is happening". The Philadelphia Inquirer. August 29, 2019. Archived from the original on January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
  20. ^ Hetrick, Christian (January 22, 2020). "Did Gritty punch a 13-year-old boy in the back? Philadelphia detectives are investigating". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  21. ^ "Philadelphia Police Investigating Claim Flyers Mascot Gritty Physically Assaulted Teen Boy During Photo Shoot". January 22, 2020. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  22. ^ Driver, Stephanie (January 23, 2020). "Everyone is talking about Gritty". Broad Street Hockey. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  23. ^ Rand, Emily (February 17, 2019). "Overwatch: Grit, and Gritty, lead Fusion to 2-0 start". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  24. ^ @overwatchleague (February 15, 2020). "HIs majesty, the fuzzy orange king of Philly, graces us with his presence!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  25. ^ @GrittyNHL (May 12, 2020). "No one cared who I was until I put on the mask" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  26. ^ a b Henninger, Danya (December 23, 2020). "Philly health department clears Gritty for Flyers games, NHL relents". Billy Penn. Archived from the original on December 23, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  27. ^ Budryk, Zack (December 23, 2020). "NHL, Philadelphia health department clear Flyers mascot Gritty to attend games after petition". The Hill. Archived from the original on December 23, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  28. ^ a b "Cootie & The Blowhard". The Futon Critic. November 7, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Hailu, Selome (September 21, 2022). "Philadelphia Flyers Mascot Gritty on His 'Abbott Elementary' Cameo: 'I'm Not in the Business of Explaining Myself' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  30. ^ Mahjouri, Shakiel (October 9, 2022). "2022 WWE Extreme Rules results, recap, grades: Bray Wyatt returns, Ronda Rousey reclaims title in wild show". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  31. ^ a b Hunt, Kristin (June 30, 2023). "Gritty makes his debut on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'". Philly Voice. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "Albie's Elevator: Big Orange Fuzzy Thing". YouTube. June 14, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  33. ^ a b Schneider, Michael (February 28, 2024). "'The Amazing Race' Emotional Season 36 Trailer Kicks Things Off in Puerto Vallarta (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  34. ^ Cantor, Matthew (September 27, 2018). "Gritty: why the Philadelphia Flyers' new acid trip of a mascot must be stopped". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  35. ^ Blackburn, Pete (September 25, 2018). "It's Gritty! Philadelphia Flyers New Mascot is Pure Unadulterated Nightmare Fuel". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on October 11, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  36. ^ Nick Vadala (October 1, 2018). "John Oliver compares Brett Kavanaugh to Flyers mascot Gritty on 'Last Week Tonight'". .philly.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  37. ^ EJ Smith (September 30, 2018). "'Saturday Night Live's' Weekend Update takes its shot at Gritty". philly.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  38. ^ Ellie Silverman (October 13, 2018). "What is Gritty? A 'lovable monster,' the orange embodiment of Philly and the Flyers, or a brand marketing breakthrough?". .philly.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  39. ^ a b Stephen, Bijan (October 17, 2018). "Gritty became a leftist meme because Philly loves a righteous hooligan". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  40. ^ "Gritty, Stuff Of Nightmares, Has Been Officially Welcomed To Philadelphia". NPR. April 18, 2018. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  41. ^ Cale Ahearn (March 20, 2019). "Gritty voted NHL's Best Team Mascot | WPMT FOX43". Fox43.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  42. ^ "Anti-Trump protesters feature signs with Flyers' new mascot, Gritty". Usatoday.com. July 25, 2018. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  43. ^ Crouch, Ian (October 10, 2018). "How the Left Won the War for Gritty, the New Mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  44. ^ VanDerWerff, Emily (December 24, 2018). "Gritty's evolution from googly-eyed hockey mascot to meme to leftist avatar, explained". Vox. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  45. ^ VanDerWerff, Emily (November 6, 2020). "Gritty memes: Why is the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Donald Trump's enemy?". Vox. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
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  47. ^ Harrison, Virginia S.; Boatwright, Brandon; Bober, Joseph (2023). ""A Manifestation of Their City as a God": Gritty Memes, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and Online Representations of Home". Communication & Sport. 11 (2): 356–384. doi:10.1177/21674795221106115. S2CID 249859238. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  48. ^ Farr, Stephanie (June 7, 2024). "A glorious choral hymn about Gritty premieres this weekend". The Philadelphia Inquirer – via The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC.

Further reading

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