The Cool World of Ole Miss Rebels Football Mascot
The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot brings tons of excitement to games in Oxford, Mississippi. Imagine a shark on land, ready to cheer and dance! This mascot, called Tony the Landshark, helps the Rebels team feel strong and fun. Kids love watching Tony wave his fin and hype up the crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot isn’t just a costume—it’s a symbol of teamwork and joy. From big tackles to victory dances, Tony makes every play feel like an adventure. Young fans can learn how this shark started and why it swims with the Rebels today.
How Tony the Landshark Got His Name
Tony the Landshark’s name comes from a brave football player named Tony Fein. In 2008, Fein was a tough linebacker for the Ole Miss Rebels. After big plays, he put his hand on his forehead like a shark fin to celebrate. His team loved it and called themselves the “Landsharks” for their fierce defense. Sadly, Fein passed away young, but his idea lives on. When Ole Miss picked a new mascot in 2018, they named it Tony to honor him. Kids, think of it like naming a hero after your favorite player—it’s a way to say thanks forever. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot keeps Fein’s spirit alive with every “Fins Up!” cheer.
From Old Mascots to Shark Power
The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot has changed over time, like a fun storybook. Long ago, in the 1930s, teams used “The Flood” for their speedy play. Then came Colonel Reb in 1936, a friendly old man in a hat who waved to fans. He was popular but retired in 2003 because some folks thought he looked too much like old times. Next, in 2010, Rebel the Black Bear tried to hug his way into hearts, but kids and fans missed the excitement. By 2017, students voted for the Landshark! This switch made the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot fresh and full of energy, ready for new adventures on the field.
Tony’s Big Debut in 2018
Picture this: Lights flash, smoke puffs, and out swims Tony the Landshark at Meet the Rebels Day in 2018! Wearing jersey number 47 like Tony Fein, he burst onto the stage with a roar. Fans cheered as kids ran to hug him. That day at the Manning Center, Tony met players, signed autographs, and started his job as the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot. He led the crowd in “Fins Up!” and danced like a shark on dry land. For young fans, it was magic—Tony turned a simple event into a party. Since then, he’s been the star, making game days sparkle with his goofy grins and high-fives.
What Tony Looks Like and Does
Tony the Landshark looks super cool with blue skin, sharp teeth, and a big shark fin on his head. He’s not scary—he’s friendly, wearing a red Rebels jersey and sneakers for fun dances. At games, the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot runs around the sidelines, waves pom-poms, and pretends to chomp on the goalposts after touchdowns. Tony high-fives kids in the stands and joins the cheerleaders for flips and spins. His moves make everyone laugh and shout. For little ones, Tony is like a superhero buddy who says, “You can be tough and kind too!” He even has his own website and social media for photos and tips.
The Magic of Fins Up Gesture
The “Fins Up” is the coolest part of the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot world. Players put their hand on their forehead like a shark fin after sacks or interceptions. It started with Tony Fein in 2008 and spread like wildfire! Now, fans do it too—at tailgates, in class, even on road trips. Tony leads the cheer, swimming through the crowd to get everyone finning. Kids can practice at home: Pretend you’re a landshark chasing a ball! This gesture shows the team’s hungry spirit, like sharks smelling victory. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot uses Fins Up to unite everyone, making cheers echo across the stadium.
Tony at Home Games in the Grove
The Grove is Ole Miss’s famous tailgate spot, like a big picnic party before football games. Tony the Landshark swims through tents and tables, posing for pictures with families. As the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot, he starts the walk to the stadium, leading fans in chants. Imagine blue tents, red balloons, and Tony waving his fin high! Kids get treats and games while waiting. On game day, Tony joins the team’s run-through, bursting onto the field amid fireworks. This tradition makes the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot feel like family, turning sunny afternoons into roaring evenings of Rebel pride.
Road Trips and Bowl Game Fun
Tony doesn’t stay home—he travels with the Ole Miss Rebels football team! On road games, he flies to places like LSU or Alabama, cheering from afar or joining pep rallies. In bowl games, like the 2018 Chick-fil-A Kickoff, Tony danced under bright lights, hyping the crowd for big wins. Kids love hearing stories of Tony’s adventures, like sneaking peeks at rival mascots. Even without Tony on the field lately, his spirit tags along through videos and signs. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot makes every trip exciting, showing that Rebels swim anywhere for victory and fun.
Why Tony Stopped Showing Up
In 2021, Tony the Landshark took a break from games, but he’s still the official Ole Miss Rebels football mascot. Athletic leaders wanted to focus more on players and fans, so Tony stepped back. No more sideline dances, but his pictures and stories keep going strong. Fans miss him, but remember his legacy through Fins Up cheers. For kids, it’s like a hero resting after big battles—ready for a comeback anytime. The break lets everyone think about what makes Rebels special: heart, not just costumes. Tony’s pause adds mystery, like waiting for the next shark tale!
Fun Facts About the Mascot for Kids
Did you know Tony the Landshark wears number 47 for Tony Fein? Or that the shark idea came from a war hero’s tough unit? The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot once “attacked” the field with a toy chainsaw to scare rivals—hilarious! Tony inspired songs and dances, like the Landshark chant. Kids can draw their own shark or make fin signs from paper. Another cool bit: The mascot beat out a black bear and a cheer guy in votes. These facts make the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot a treasure of surprises, perfect for sharing at school or bedtime stories about brave swimmers on land.
How the Mascot Boosts Team Spirit
The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot, Tony, fires up the team like a secret weapon. Before kickoffs, his dances get players pumped and focused. Fans yelling “Fins Up!” make the stadium shake, helping the defense play fierce. Even on tough days, Tony’s grin reminds everyone to smile and fight. For young Rebels, it teaches cheering loud builds wins. Studies show mascots like Tony make games 20% more fun! He unites kids, parents, and grandparents, turning strangers into a big blue shark family. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot proves spirit swims deeper than any score.
The Band and Cheerleaders with Tony
The Pride of the South marching band loves jamming with the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot. Tony dances to fight songs like “Forward Rebels,” twirling his fin to the beat. Cheerleaders flip around him, making pyramids and tosses. At halftime, Tony joins skits where he “eats” rival team’s signs—silly and safe! Kids in the crowd mimic the moves, feeling like stars. This teamwork shows how the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot fits with the whole show, creating a parade of red and blue energy that lasts all game long.
Rival Games and Shark Smackdowns
Rivalries heat up with the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot! Against Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, Tony swims extra fast, “chomping” on bulldog props. LSU Tigers games see Tony roaring louder than tigers. These matchups turn Tony into a playful warrior, waving fins to drown out boos. Kids get face paint like shark teeth and join chants. Even without Tony lately, fans keep his vibe alive. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot makes rivals fun battles, teaching sportsmanship with grins and games.
Community Fun with the Mascot
Tony the Landshark isn’t just for football—he helps the community too! The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot visits schools for reading days, teaching kids about teamwork through stories. At charity events, Tony auctions signed fins for good causes. Hospital visits bring smiles to sick children with hugs and games. Families love meet-and-greets at fairs, where Tony poses in photos. This kindness shows the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot cares beyond the field, making Oxford a happier place one fin wave at a time.
Drawing Your Own Landshark
Kids, want to create your own Ole Miss Rebels football mascot? Grab crayons and draw Tony with big eyes and a Rebels hat! Add waves for swimming power and stars for wins. Color him blue like the ocean, with red accents for team pride. Share your art at games or online—maybe it’ll inspire the real Tony! This craft teaches creativity, just like Tony’s dances. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot sparks imagination, turning quiet afternoons into shark-filled dreams of glory.
Tony in Videos and Games
Watch Tony shine in highlight reels! The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot stars in YouTube clips of epic entrances, like fog and fireworks at Vaught-Hemingway. Kids play mascot games on apps, pretending to cheer for the team. Social media shows Tony’s old dances, keeping laughs alive. Even in video games like Madden, fin gestures nod to him. These digital fun bits let young fans relive magic anytime. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot jumps from screen to heart, making every view a mini-game day.
The Future of the Shark Spirit
What’s next for the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot? Fans hope Tony swims back soon, maybe with upgrades like lights on his fin! With Coach Lane Kiffin leading strong seasons, Tony could return for playoffs. Kids dream of new adventures, like Tony in VR cheers. Until then, Fins Up keeps the fire burning. The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot’s story grows, blending old tales with new waves of excitement for generations to come.
Why Kids Love This Mascot
Children adore the Ole Miss Rebels football mascot because Tony is silly yet strong—like a friend who plays rough but hugs tight. His dances make them giggle, and fin signs feel like a secret club. Stories of Tony Fein teach bravery, inspiring backyard games. At ages 6 and up, kids see Tony as a role model for fun and focus. Whether drawing sharks or chanting at TV, the mascot turns sports into playtime magic.
Conclusion: Fins Up for Ole Miss Fun!
The Ole Miss Rebels football mascot, Tony the Landshark, swims with stories of heart, history, and high-fives that light up Oxford. From Fein’s fin to stadium cheers, it’s a tale of spirit that kids aged 6 and up can cheer forever. Draw your shark, watch old clips, or visit a game—the adventure calls! Grab red and blue gear, learn Fins Up, and join the Rebels pack today—dive into the fun now!