Nuggets mascot makes $625K; Rocky’s top 5 highlights
DENVER (BVM) – The Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky the Mountain Lion, is still the highest-paid NBA mascot with a whopping $625,000 salary, per the newest numbers via Sports Business Journal. Benny the Bull makes 36 percent less than Rocky at $400,000 a year. To further put that into perspective, the average NBA mascot is making 60K annually.
Rocky the Mountain Lion earns more than 10 times the average pay for professional NBA mascots (around $60k).
(h/t @SBJ) pic.twitter.com/IUodSByGgg
— Boardroom (@boardroom) October 2, 2022
Here are the top five Denver Nuggets mascot highlights that may give a glimpse into why Rocky the Mountain Lion is the highest-paid NBA mascot.
5. Rocky’s teddy bears for Valentine’s Day
Near Valentine’s Day in 2018, Rocky stumbled upon a Nuggets fan whom he wanted to make Mrs. Rocky. Rocky showered the woman with teddy bears and the hilarious video was a viral sensation amongst even non–sports fans.
4. Rocky’s climb up The Pepsi Center
Rocky stands at 5-foot-10, weighs in at 154 pounds and has a tail that’s three feet long, yet, somehow, the mascot managed to climb to the top of the Pepsi Center.
Here’s another look at Rocky being fearless of heights:
Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky is the highest-paid mascot in the NBA with a $625K (!!!) annual salary 🤯
Would you do this for $625K? 😳pic.twitter.com/qHT0l9Totm
— The GIST USA (@thegistusa) October 2, 2022
3. Rocky and outside appearances
Rocky frequently makes paid appearances outside of the Denver Nuggets’ arena. Take this viral video of Rocky shoving a youth football player for NFL preseason halftime entertainment.
2. Rocky’s backwards half court shot on a ladder
Rocky has made countless half court shots while backwards. But, nothing compares to when Rocky balanced on a high ladder and made a half court shot backwards – seen in the video below at 2:15.
1. Rocky passes out mid-air
Some could say Rocky almost died for the job. The mascot went viral after passing out while hanging from the ceiling during a 2013 performance in the team’s home opener. Little is known why Rocky passed out, but a fear of heights can be ruled out.
