Who is the Minnesota Timberwolves' Mascot, Crunch the Wolf?

Last Modified Sep 14, 2023 16:04 GMT
Crunch The Wolf
Crunch The Wolf

Crunch the Wolf is the official mascot of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. He was introduced in 2003, and has been an integral part of the team at every home game since then. He also represents the team at various charity and community events.

According to the team’s website, he was born in the northernmost wilderness of Minnesota. Both Crunch’s parents were perplexed by his love for basketball. He picked up the game on his own with a basket made up of pine-cones and birch barks. He started honing his skills as a young pup and migrated to the twin city where the Timberwolves are based.

No one knows where Crunch lives, but it is believed that he resides inside a den somewhere in the Target Center. The deafening howls of the Timberwolves fans lure him out on match days. The howls of the audience create an atmosphere that reminds him of his time in the forest and yet keeps him in the city to help his team win.

Crunch The Wolf
Crunch The Wolf

Why is the Wolves mascot called Crunch?

He was named after the team’s logo and after the famous Nestle chocolate bar “Crunch.”. It was also a tribute to the Minnesota North Stars, a former pro-hockey team. Crunch loves to entertain the audience of all ages with his comical hijinks and energetic antics. According to NBAmascots.com, the mascot is performed by two people. The primary performer loves to interact with the fans and entertain them with his signature moves, while the secondary performer assists him and makes sure the performances are smooth. Information about Crunch’s salary is not available in the public domain, however, it is estimated that he earns around $25,000 per year.

Crunch is 6 feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds. He is famous for the Inside-Out flying Dutchman Dunk and was inducted into the 2017 NBA Mascot Hall of Fame. He was also named one of the best mascots in 2019 by ESPN.

The Timberwolves organization has had several mascots over the years — the Wolves Pack, Prowley the Wolf and T-Wolves over the years. However, none of them were as popular as Crunch the Wolf.

FAQs

A. The Minnesota Timberwolves are sponsored by Nestle, which is why they named their mascot after Nestle’s famous chocolate Crunch.

A. His salary is not yet disclosed, but it is estimated to be $25,000 per year.

A. Rocky the Mountain Lion is the highest paid mascot with an annual salary of $625,000. He is the official mascot of the Denver Nuggets.

A. Crunch the Wolf was introduced in 2003 and is 20 years old. 

Related Stories

How many points did James Harden score tonight against Denver Nuggets? (April 24) How many points did James Harden score tonight against Denver Nuggets? (April 24)
How many points did James Harden score tonight against Denver Nuggets? (April 24)
1d
Draymond Green's Warriors teammate Quinten Post likes a video edit featuring his belligerent moments Draymond Green's Warriors teammate Quinten Post likes a video edit featuring his belligerent moments
Draymond Green's Warriors teammate Quinten Post likes a video edit featuring his belligerent moments 
Tim Legler throws shade at Warriors fans blaming Amen Thompson for Jimmy Butler's glute injury Tim Legler throws shade at Warriors fans blaming Amen Thompson for Jimmy Butler's glute injury
Tim Legler throws shade at Warriors fans blaming Amen Thompson for Jimmy Butler's glute injury
1d
NBA scout aims pointed dig at 'foul hunting' Jalen Brunson, claims it hinders Karl-Anthony Towns & Co's involvement in playoffs NBA scout aims pointed dig at 'foul hunting' Jalen Brunson, claims it hinders Karl-Anthony Towns & Co's involvement in playoffs
NBA scout aims pointed dig at 'foul hunting' Jalen Brunson, claims it hinders Karl-Anthony Towns & Co's involvement in playoffs 
1d
Boston Celtics face tough Jrue Holiday situation ahead of Game 3 skirmish against the Orlando Magic Boston Celtics face tough Jrue Holiday situation ahead of Game 3 skirmish against the Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics face tough Jrue Holiday situation ahead of Game 3 skirmish against the Orlando Magic
1d
Stomach bug gets Luka Doncic off to sluggish start in Lakers-Timberwolves Game 3 Stomach bug gets Luka Doncic off to sluggish start in Lakers-Timberwolves Game 3
Stomach bug gets Luka Doncic off to sluggish start in Lakers-Timberwolves Game 3
22h
LeBron James vs Julius Randle: Head-to-head battle, key stats and more ahead of pivotal Game 3 | 2025 NBA Playoffs LeBron James vs Julius Randle: Head-to-head battle, key stats and more ahead of pivotal Game 3 | 2025 NBA Playoffs
LeBron James vs Julius Randle: Head-to-head battle, key stats and more ahead of pivotal Game 3 | 2025 NBA Playoffs
1d
"Travis Hunter is at the game too?!" - Clippers' wild horse hat stunt mocking Nikola Jokic & Nuggets has NBA fans in splits "Travis Hunter is at the game too?!" - Clippers' wild horse hat stunt mocking Nikola Jokic & Nuggets has NBA fans in splits
"Travis Hunter is at the game too?!" - Clippers' wild horse hat stunt mocking Nikola Jokic & Nuggets has NBA fans in splits
Jimmy Butler’s massive injury update indicates his absence for Warriors-Rockets Game 3 Jimmy Butler’s massive injury update indicates his absence for Warriors-Rockets Game 3
Jimmy Butler’s massive injury update indicates his absence for Warriors-Rockets Game 3
1d
Jason Whitlock 'connects the dots' on viral Shaquille O'Neal 'financial bounty' rumors on Shannon Sharpe amid allegations Jason Whitlock 'connects the dots' on viral Shaquille O'Neal 'financial bounty' rumors on Shannon Sharpe amid allegations
Jason Whitlock 'connects the dots' on viral Shaquille O'Neal 'financial bounty' rumors on Shannon Sharpe amid allegations 
1d