Who is the Toronto Raptors' mascot, The Raptor?

Last Modified Sep 11, 2023 07:35 GMT
Toronto Raptors' Mascot, The Raptor
Toronto Raptors' Mascot, The Raptor, Source: official Instagram account The Raptor

The Toronto Raptors’ official mascot is The Raptor. He is a dinosaur who wears a red costume with the jersey #95, signifying the year of establishment of the franchise. The Raptor is known for performing skits, dancing and cheering his team at games. He is also part of numerous viral videos. Some of them are mentioned below:

  • The Raptor ate a cheerleader or security guard.

  • The Raptor annoyed Robin Lopez by wearing a wig to mock his hair and Lopez responded by charging toward the mascot and pushing him to the ground.

  • Lopez returned to Toronto while playing for the New York Knicks and the Raptor compiled a poster named “My Favorite Lopez” which included Jennifer Lopez, Mario Lopez, George Lopez and Nancy Lopez, but Robin Lopez was not there on the list. Robin took the poster and cracked it over the Raptor’s head.

  • The Raptor also showered Rachel McAdam with gifts that included a Raptors jersey with her name and no. 1 on it. He gave her a flower bouquet and a stuffed Raptors toy.

Toronto Raptors' Mascot, The Raptor
Toronto Raptors' Mascot, The Raptor : Source Source: official Instagram account The Raptor

The Raptor Real Name

According to NBAMascots.com, The Raptor is currently played by three people. The first performer is a professional dancer, the second is a stuntman, and the third performer is a voice actor. The Raptor mascot reflects the team’s toughness and aggressiveness on the court. While the mascot’s design has undergone changes over the years, he has always been an aggressive dinosaur. The Raptor performs his signature “Raptor Claw” move after every win.

While NBA mascots’ salaries are kept confidential, their average salaries range between $25,000 - $50,000 per annum.

FAQs

A. The name of the team was dubbed as the Toronto Raptors, influenced by the Steven Spielberg film, Jurassic Park, which is why their mascot is a raptor.

A. The management of the team chose a velociraptor as the team logo’s basic element. It represents a fast creature that responds to circumstances quickly and has enormous endurance.

A. It was to increase civic engagement and raise awareness around voters of opportunity in local and national elections. 

A. In 2013, The Raptor missed an entire year after suffering a torn Achilles while performing in Halifax for school children.

Related Stories

“It’s just incredible” - Steve Kerr awestruck by 37 y/o Steph Curry dropping 52 in crucial matchup “It’s just incredible” - Steve Kerr awestruck by 37 y/o Steph Curry dropping 52 in crucial matchup
“It’s just incredible” - Steve Kerr awestruck by 37 y/o Steph Curry dropping 52 in crucial matchup
"$1.5 Bn is a steal" - NBA fans react as Alex Rodriguez & co. seal the deal to own Timberwolves after heated tussle "$1.5 Bn is a steal" - NBA fans react as Alex Rodriguez & co. seal the deal to own Timberwolves after heated tussle
"$1.5 Bn is a steal" - NBA fans react as Alex Rodriguez & co. seal the deal to own Timberwolves after heated tussle
1d
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics player stats and box score (April 2) | 2024-25 NBA season Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics player stats and box score (April 2) | 2024-25 NBA season
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics player stats and box score (April 2) | 2024-25 NBA season
1d
Steph Curry's wife, Ayesha shares key stats from 4x NBA champion's record night vs Grizzlies Steph Curry's wife, Ayesha shares key stats from 4x NBA champion's record night vs Grizzlies
Steph Curry's wife, Ayesha shares key stats from 4x NBA champion's record night vs Grizzlies
Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore group set to takeover full ownership of Timberwolves: Report Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore group set to takeover full ownership of Timberwolves: Report
Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore group set to takeover full ownership of Timberwolves: Report
1d
"Curry got this boy relapsing:" Fans react as Ja Morant unleashes gun gesture at Warriors despite losing huge game "Curry got this boy relapsing:" Fans react as Ja Morant unleashes gun gesture at Warriors despite losing huge game
"Curry got this boy relapsing:" Fans react as Ja Morant unleashes gun gesture at Warriors despite losing huge game 
LeBron James drops 2-word reaction on former co-star Anthony Davis' clutch game-winner LeBron James drops 2-word reaction on former co-star Anthony Davis' clutch game-winner
LeBron James drops 2-word reaction on former co-star Anthony Davis' clutch game-winner
1d
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report (Apr. 2): Latest on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford's status Dallas Mavericks Injury Report (Apr. 2): Latest on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford's status
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report (Apr. 2): Latest on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford's status
1d
Insider boldly predicts Warriors to make deep playoff run after Steph Curry's 52-point explosion Insider boldly predicts Warriors to make deep playoff run after Steph Curry's 52-point explosion
Insider boldly predicts Warriors to make deep playoff run after Steph Curry's 52-point explosion
1d
"I'm on my way" - Pistons star Cade Cunningham's confidence shines as he makes bold statement on his lofty ambition "I'm on my way" - Pistons star Cade Cunningham's confidence shines as he makes bold statement on his lofty ambition
"I'm on my way" - Pistons star Cade Cunningham's confidence shines as he makes bold statement on his lofty ambition
1d