Oregon Ducks mascot Puddles stumbled before the game against Montana State, and in that instant his headpiece popped off in front of everyone. Looking desperate after the mishap, he bolted off the field in a hurry, leaving the oversized head behind. A Ducks staff member quickly scooped it up and sprinted after him as the crowd reacted to the bizarre scene.

The reason behind the sudden escape may be rooted in a long-standing rule for mascots: never let the fans see the person inside the costume. Across sports, from MLB to college football, mascots are told to rush out of sight if their heads ever come off, preserving the illusion. That’s likely why Puddles sprinted for cover — to protect the character’s identity and keep the moment from becoming even more of a spectacle.

CFB fans couldn’t

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