Fans react to Georgia Southern University’s beloved mascot’s death

STATESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Beloved Georgia Southern University mascot, Freedom has died, according to school officials.

School officials said Freedom ed away Saturday.

They wrote, “For more than 20 years, he has symbolized pride and resilience, uniting Eagle Nation. Rescued in 2004, he found a home at Georgia Southern, inspiring generations. Thank you, Freedom. Soar beyond.”

Georgia Southern football player, Bryson Broadway, says “I think he just is a big center piece to what we are. Like I said, when you think of Georgia Southern you think of the eagles and that’s Freedom.”

Many ed Freedom for flying at football games.

“Watching him fly around football games and taking pictures was pretty cool,” Campbell Miracle, a student at the university, said.

Another student, Cody Tran, said “Seeing him from a birds eye view, slowly flying down towards the field was a great scene to watch.”

Freedom was only a few weeks old when he was found knocked out of a nest in Maitland, Florida- he has been with Georgia Southern University ever since May, 2004.

“We are incredibly saddened by the ing of Freedom, who soared as a symbol of Georgia Southern pride and True Blue spirit,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “Freedom was more than a mascot; he represented strength, spirit and unity for Georgia Southern. His loss will be felt by so many in Eagle Nation.”

The university said they plan to pay tribute to Freedom and will share more at a later time.

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