Washington Huskies Football Traditions

Discover the origination of the University of Washington nickname and mascot along with UW Heisman finalist and Pro Football Hall of Fame Members. It’s a stellar 2023 season for the Huskies with a Pac 12 championship, Heisman runner-up and a spot in the College Football National Championship Game.

University of Washington Nickname Story

The University is most well-known by its current “Huskies” nickname, but that wasn’t always the school’s moniker. Originally, the UW sports teams used a variety of different names and nicknames throughout their history.

In 1889, when the university was first founded in Seattle, Washington, their unofficial mascot and nickname was simply the “Vikings” – inspired by Nordic explorers who ventured into what is now Washington State centuries before. This name stuck around for several years until it was finally changed to “Sun Dodgers” in 1925 due to some internal politics at the university arguing that Vikings were too violent of a representation for an educational institute (though other theories suggest it just didn’t sound cool enough).

The Sun Dodgers didn’t last long either though as they were changed again four years later in 1929 to “Webfoots”, which came from an old English proverb: “as surefooted as a Webfoot.” The name also matched perfectly with Oregon’s “Ducks” nickname so rivalry games between them could easily be called Webfoots vs Ducks (which admittedly did sound cooler than Sun Dodgers vs Ducks).

It wasn’t until 1922 that UW adopted its beloved Huskies moniker after students voted overwhelmingly from among other potential mascot choices such as Totems or Pioneers. The reasoning behind this choice was twofold: firstly because Alaska had recently become part of United States so there suddenly seemed to be more pride associated with being a Husky; secondly because huskies are known for having strength and courage – qualities everyone believed made up good student athletes. And thus concluded one of college football’s greatest identity changes!

Dubs and Harry the Husky

The Alaskan Malamute, a dog noted for its ability to pull sleds across the
frozen tundra of northern North America, also is known for warming the hearts of Washington fans by representing the university as its mascot. Strangely enough this breed finished second place in the school’s nickname race, but now is the lead dog when it comes to mascots.

The tail-wagging tradition of incorporating dogs into Husky athletics began in 1922 when Frosty I began barking for the school.

A costumed mascot named Harry Husky is Washington’s canine sidekick.

Before Washington went to the Dogs, a wooden statue that carried two books under his right arm and a football under the other filled the mascot role. The three-and-a-half foot figure named Sunny Boy served prior to the 1920s when the university’s teams were still known as the Sundodgers.

The smiling statue was a sculptured replica of Sunny, a grinning character who appeared in the university’s humor magazine.
Sunny Boy now stands firm in the school’s Alumni Association building despite a 23 year disappearance that ended with his 1948 discovery in South Bend, Ind. The statue’s lengthy journey began when it was abducted from its fraternity house residence and smuggled out of state.

Husky Stadium

This facility first opened in 1920 and through several renovations and expansions will have jumped from a 30,000 seat stadium to one that holds more than 70,000.

The playing field was originally dirt, but thankfully has emerged to have grass and later artificial. When the University first installed Astro Turf in 1968, the Huskies program became the just the 2nd major college (Tennessee) to use an artificial surface.

Another tradition the school shares with Tennessee, is the aquatic tailgating that takes place on Football Saturdays. It’s not uncommon to have around 12,000 fans enjoying pregame tailgating on Lake Washington prior to kickoff.

Michael Penix Jr. Jersey

Display your Huskies Spirit with this Penix Jr. jersey. The Washington QB is a leading Heisman Candidate.

Washington Huskies Heisman History

December 1st Update – Heading into this week of college football, Washington QB, Michael Penix Jr. is ranked as ESPN’s top Heisman Candidate. Penix Jr. completed 27 of 39 passes for 319 yards and a TD to lead Washington past Oregon in the Pac 12 Championship game.
Prior to the 2023 Season – The University is one of the top college football programs in the nation. The
school has produced a long line of All-Americans, but has yet to see one of its players crowned with college football’s top individual award.

The program’s only top 4 finisher in the
voting is the 4th place finish gained by
Steve Emtman in 1991.
While not bringing home the stiff-armed
trophy, Emtman captured the Outland
Trophy and the Lombardi Award. The
Consensus All-American was selected
with the first pick of the 1992 NFL Draft by
the Indianapolis Colts.

Washington Huskie Pro Football Hall of Fame members

Huskies in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The University has seen three of its former players gain the honor of being enshrined into the Hall and having their bust reside in Canton, Ohio. The three NFL legends are:

Hugh McElhenny, HB (Class of 1970) Played in 13 NFL seasons and made six NFL Pro Bowls.
Annie Weinmeister, DT (Class of 1984) Only played six seasons, but was dominating
Warren Moon, QB (Class of 2006) Won 5 straight CFL Championship Cups and then dazzled NFL defenses for 17 seasons while being named to nine NFL Pro Bowls.