Prior to the Seahawks – Commanders game at Northwest Stadium in Washington, DC (technically Landover, Maryland), I found Major Tuddy*, the Commanders’ mascot, standing in front of me, holding a sign. My husband and I were the only Seahawks fans in our row right along the field, and between Mister Rain and me, the Major was focused in on me. I, of course, couldn’t see the sign, so I said to my husband, who seemed transfixed by Tuddy, “I can’t read that. What does it say?,” with a bit of panic in my voice, as it seemed as though we had been keeping the Major waiting for a long time.
“Washington Monument or Space Needle?,” Mister Rain read.
Now I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I revere General George Washington. But I froze. And then I heard myself answer, “Space Needle!”
Major Tuddy walked away.
It was a very funny moment, but while it was happening, I just felt agitated that I couldn’t see the sign to read it myself. And also that Tuddy didn’t know I am visually impaired, which there was no way he could have.
I think I recovered quickly, but those moments do leave a bit of a bruise, which, of course, will fade, but at the time they create a sore spot. Had I known a pig walking upright, taller than me, wearing a military hat, would offer me a cardboard sign to read at an NFL game, I would have hit the locker room first to put on some pads.
Sister Rain’s Note:
The Washington Commanders’ mascot is a pig named Major Tuddy. Introduced in January 2023, he is an homage to “The Hogs,” the team’s famed offensive line from the 1980s and 90s. His name combines “Major” (referencing the team’s military ties) and “Tuddy” (slang for touchdown).
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