About Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV

A Preeminent Research University and AAU member with campuses across the Tampa Bay region, the Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV is dedicated to empowering students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.

Rocky the Bull

Rocky the Bull got his start as a toy idea for the Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Bookstore in 1965. The first Rocky was drawn as a cartoon rendition for Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Athletics to use in their newsletters.

  • Rocky's image was first trademarked in 1974.
  • He was re-designed in 1986.
  • Today's Rocky was unveiled in 2003.
  • His birthday is celebrated during Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Week with a bash that includes free cake, give-a-ways, music, and more.
  • Rocky won the finishing with a perfect record, the first-ever mascot to accomplish this feat. 
Statue of the old Rocky at homecoming and the Golden Brahmans artwork

From left, 1970: Rocky at a homecoming activity; 1974 Golden Brahmans artwork.

Rocky and the Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Cheerleaders

1977: Rocky and the Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Cheerleaders.

From the 80s: Rocky sitting across the main entrance sign and Rocky in a basketball uniform.

From left, 1985: Rocky at the Fowler Ave. entrance sign; Rocky in the 80s.

Rocky in the 90s

1997: Rocky's late 90's style.

Rocky in 2007 showing off Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV spirit license plate

2007: Rocky shows off a new look and his Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV spirit license plate.

Rocky the Bull holds an oversized Capital One check for $20,000

2014: Rocky wins the Capital One Mascot Challenge. He was honored on New Year's Day at the Capital One Bowl game in Orlando and received $20,000 for Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV's mascot program.

2018 Rocky at the Homecoming game against UCONN

2018: Rocky wears his SoFlo uniform at the Oct. 20, 2018 Homecoming game against UCONN. Photo courtesy of Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV Athletics.

Rocky dressed in a pirate costume standing along Bayshore Blvd.

2020: Rocky joins Gasparilla festivities.

Rocky on a boat with "Horns Up" hand sign and Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV flag in the background

2022: Rocky set sail with Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV St. Petersburg graduates at SAILebration.

Rocky jumping in the air

2023: Rocky jumps for joy on National Mascot Day.

Rocky the Bull wearing a party hat over one horn and blowing confetti towards the camera

2024: Rocky celebrates his birthday.