From tradition-rich collegiate programs like the University of Georgia football to storied professional franchises like the Braves and Falcons, sports lovers have plenty to root for in our state. Here are four fun facts about Georgia sports teams.

The Uga Dynasty

Since 1956, Uga the bulldog has graced the sideline at University of Georgia football games. His spiked collar and red jersey are synonymous with the storied program. But no English bulldog lives forever. Do you know how many Ugas there have been? Ten – all hailing from the same blood line! It all started with Uga I, who took the field for the Bulldogs’ home opener in 1956. Read all about Ugas I through X here!

Braves Forever

Did you know the Braves’ franchise is the only one in the majors to play every season since professional baseball began? They started as the Boston Red Stockings of the National Association of Professional Baseball Players in 1871 and spent their first 82 years in Boston, cycling through a number of nicknames – the Red Caps, Rustlers, and Bees, to name a few – before landing on the Braves. The team moved to Milwaukee in 1953, and then to Atlanta in 1966.

Dirty Bird

Jamal Anderson’s famed “Dirty Bird” dance rates high among the best celebrations in NFL history! The star running back popularized the move during the Atlanta Falcons’ run to the Super Bowl in the 1998 season. Anyways, there’s no real fact here. We just needed an excuse to share the video.

What’s Behind the Name?

OK, back to actual facts. Remember the Thrashers, Atlanta’s short-lived NHL team? Yeah, we almost forgot, too. Ever wonder what inspired their name? It’s a tribute to Georgia’s state bird, the brown thrasher. They landed on the name via a fan poll. The Thrashers spent 12 years in Atlanta before moving to Winnipeg and becoming the Jets in 2011.

For more fun reads, check out the Olympus Carrington blog!