Every school has quirks, but Jacksonville State University’s mascot might just take the cake—or the coop. If you’ve ever been to a JSU football game and heard the crowd erupt as a feisty feathered mascot struts down the sidelines, then you’ve already met “Cocky,” the beloved Gamecock. But how did this fierce bird become the face of Jacksonville State athletics?
Let’s dive into the surprising, spirited, and rather clucky backstory of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks mascot—and why this rooster still wears the crown today.
What Is the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Mascot?
At the heart of Jacksonville State sports is Cocky, a proud, gritty Gamecock who represents the fighting spirit of the university. Unlike your everyday farm bird, this bird has more to it than just walking along. Well, Cocky gets up in the grins of fans, goads the competition, and commands an army of enthusiastic students, especially the ones who are red and white through and through.
Whether on the sidelines of Burgess-Snow Field or making the rounds at campus functions, Cocky is out front, feathers ruffled, beak pointed, and attitude unmatched.
The Gamecock is a rooster breed notorious for its ferocity and toughness, historically associated with cockfighting. The Jacksonville State rallying cry is long past, but the symbolism is still intact—Gamecocks never back down. When Jacksonville State wins, the crowd chants, “Fear the Beak,” and they mean it.
Cocky the mascot has evolved over time into more than just a costumed character. Students line up for selfies with him during homecoming. On the other hand, younger fans often try to imitate his moves. He’s a feathered, fired-up ambassador of school pride.
Why Was the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Mascot?
Rewind to the early 20th century, and you’ll find that Jacksonville State wasn’t always about Gamecocks. Actually, prior to 1947, the school teams were referred to as the “Eagle Owls.” Although the name was uncommon, it did not have the passion Jacksonville State’s supporters desired.
School legend and old interviews report that E.C. “Baldy” Wilson, a two-sport letterman in football and basketball, was responsible for the name change. Legend has it that Wilson became annoyed with individuals inquiring, “What’s an Eagle Owl?”
“Back in the day, everyone had a yard full of chickens,” Wilson once said. “They’re beautiful and they’re proud. They have a lot of pride, and they’ll fight to protect their territory.”
That’s when it hit him—why not select a mascot that everyone could relate to, one that represented toughness and ferocity?
Therefore, in 1946, Wilson and classmates started lobbying for a new mascot—their choice: the Gamecock. The transformation was officially instituted in 1947 when the school renamed itself from Jacksonville State Teachers College to Jacksonville State College.
In addition to the new name came new school colors of red and white, which supplanted the old blue and gold colors, better aligning the school’s brand with the combative personality of its new mascot.
The transformation wasn’t symbolic, though—it pumped up the entire athletic department and student body. In fact, during the 1950s, the Gamecock wasn’t merely a costume; it was a live, actual rooster looked after by a student named Herb Griffin.
That’s right—Jacksonville State had a live Gamecock on the sidelines during football games. Griffin, an ROTC student and committed band member, ensured the bird was in attendance during home football games.
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Over time, the school added a costumed incarnation of the Gamecock, and eventually, he grew into “Cocky,” the larger-than-life, human-powered mascot that we know today. And if you’re curious—yes, he definitely does have dance moves.
Now, the Gamecock is still an integral part of Jacksonville State life, and “Cocky” still fires up crowds, scares opponents, and puts smiles on young and old fans’ faces. With Jacksonville State expanding its presence in Division I athletics, so does the Gamecocks’ legacy.
