From Sidelines to Legend: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Georgia’s Beloved Bulldog Mascot Uga X, Also Known as “Que”
On May 27, 2013, a white English bulldog with a regal stance, soulful eyes, and an unmistakable air of dignity was born. Known to the world as Uga X, and to those closest to him as “Que,” this pup would go on to become one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in college sports. His journey from an adorable puppy to the esteemed live mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs is a story of tradition, passion, and an unbreakable bond between a team, its fans, and a dog who came to symbolize the very spirit of Georgia football.
Uga X served as the live mascot for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2015 through 2022, officially retiring in 2023. During his tenure, he witnessed and symbolically led the Bulldogs through one of the most successful eras in the history of the program. His legacy is not only one of wins and championships but of unwavering loyalty, quiet strength, and the profound ability of animals to become icons within human culture. His passing on January 23, 2024, marked the end of an era, but his memory lives on in the hearts of countless fans and in the proud tradition of the Uga bloodline.
The story of Uga X begins within the broader context of the Uga mascot lineage. The Uga tradition started in 1956 with Uga I, and since then, each successor has been a direct descendant, raised and cared for by the Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia. This continuity has created not only a line of mascots but a lineage of legends, each with a distinct personality but all embodying the same fierce loyalty and pride. Uga X, born Que, was no exception.
Que assumed the mantle of Uga X during a passing of the collar ceremony on November 21, 2015, at a game against Georgia Southern. His predecessor, Uga IX, known as “Russ,” had filled in admirably but was ready to pass the torch. Que, even at a young age, demonstrated poise and presence far beyond his years. Dressed in the signature red jersey with a varsity letter sewn on the back and lounging in his custom-built, air-conditioned doghouse on the sidelines, Que quickly became a fan favorite.
What followed his ascension to mascotdom was nothing short of historic. Under the watchful gaze of Uga X, the Georgia Bulldogs experienced a renaissance. From thrilling SEC matchups to playoff contention, and eventually to national dominance, Uga X was there for it all. He was the canine witness to Georgia’s 2017 run to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, a season that rekindled the championship dreams of Bulldog fans everywhere. Though the team fell just short against Alabama in overtime, Que’s dignified presence remained a comfort and a constant.
But it was in the 2021 and 2022 seasons that Uga X cemented his legacy in granite. With head coach Kirby Smart at the helm and a roster brimming with talent, Georgia stormed through the college football landscape, capturing the 2021 National Championship with a stunning victory over Alabama — avenging their loss from four years earlier. The 2022 season proved that the previous year was no fluke, as the Bulldogs defended their title with dominance, culminating in a resounding 65-7 victory over TCU in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Throughout all this, Uga X remained a symbol of consistency and pride. His presence at Sanford Stadium, whether peering out from his doghouse or ambling onto the field during pregame ceremonies, became an integral part of the game day experience. Fans would flock to catch a glimpse of him, and television broadcasts always made sure to spotlight the stately bulldog who had become synonymous with Georgia greatness.
Off the field, Uga X was known to have a gentle temperament. He was adored by players, coaches, and fans alike. He was dignified but never aloof, calm but never indifferent. His role as mascot extended beyond the stadium; he represented a tradition that bridged generations of Bulldogs, a living connection to past glories and future aspirations.
Uga X officially retired before the 2023 season, making way for his successor, Uga XI, known as “Boom.” At the time of his retirement, Que had earned the distinction of being the most successful Uga in history in terms of wins and championships. But his achievements were more than statistics; they were emotional milestones for a fan base deeply connected to its traditions. His retirement was celebrated with ceremony and gratitude, recognizing his years of devoted service and the joy he brought to the Bulldog Nation.
The announcement of his death on January 23, 2024, was met with an outpouring of grief and remembrance from across the college football landscape. He died peacefully at the age of 10, just months shy of his 11th birthday. The University of Georgia community, fans, alumni, and even rival teams paid tribute to the legacy of a dog who was far more than a mascot. He was a symbol — of resilience, of unity, and of the enduring spirit of the Georgia Bulldogs.
To understand the impact of Uga X, one must consider not just what he witnessed, but what he represented. In a sport defined by change — shifting rosters, coaching changes, and evolving strategies — Que was a constant. He was a touchstone for fans, a photographic fixture in the visual history of the team’s rise, and a bridge between the past and the present. His white coat and red jersey told a story that statistics never could. They spoke of loyalty, tradition, and the deep emotional connections that bind people to institutions and each other.
The tradition of live mascots is a uniquely Southern and deeply American one, and within that tradition, the Uga line stands apart. It’s not merely about pageantry; it’s about identity. For Georgia fans, Uga is not just the face on a t-shirt or a presence on the field — he is part of the family. Uga X, in particular, felt like a once-in-a-generation presence, the kind of mascot who comes along at exactly the right moment and helps define an era.
In remembering Uga X, it’s important to note the care and love he received throughout his life. The Seiler family has long treated the Ugas not as mascots, but as members of their family. Que lived a life filled with affection, comfort, and dignity. His duties may have included standing on the sidelines and posing for pictures, but his days were also filled with belly rubs, naps in the sun, and the quiet contentment of a dog who was deeply loved.
As the University of Georgia looks to the future, and as Uga XI begins to forge his own path, the legacy of Uga X remains a guiding light. His tenure set a standard of excellence, not just in terms of what the team accomplished, but in how he carried himself as a symbol of the university. His name will be remembered alongside Georgia’s greatest — a Bulldog through and through, who never once played a down but left an indelible mark on the game.
In the end, Uga X — Que — was more than just a dog. He was an ambassador of hope during the hard seasons and a symbol of triumph during the great ones. He was the silent sentry on the sidelines, the stoic face of a proud program, and a reminder that greatness often comes with four legs, not two. As we remember him on what would have been his 12th birthday, we celebrate not only his life but the tradition he upheld and the joy he brought to all who knew him.
