Sonny Seiler, Patriarch of Georgia Bulldogs Mascots, Passes Away at 90

Sonny Seiler, the patriarch of the Uga line of Georgia Bulldogs mascots, died Monday at 90 years old.

The Legacy of Uga

Seiler and his wife, Cecelia, began the Uga tradition in 1956 when they brought their English Bulldog to Georgia’s season opener at the request of then-coach Wally Butts. Sonny Seiler and his family went on to raise the continual line of Ugas, beginning with Uga I in 1956 and through Uga XI, who was “collared” at this year’s spring game.

As recently as last year, Seiler was a presence at Georgia games and other events. He was known for his gregarious personality and approachability. Perhaps the most famous story about Seiler involved his 1990s encounter with Clint Eastwood, who was filming the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and giving Uga V a cameo. Before filming Eastwood told Uga: “I’m going to make you a celebrity,” to which Seiler replied: “Uga already is a celebrity, Mr. Eastwood.”

A Georgia Legend

This is the third passing of a Georgia legend in less than a year. Vince Dooley died in October on the eve of the Georgia-Florida game, 10 days after Charley Trippi, one of the greatest players in Georgia history, died at the age of 100.

“Sonny’s contributions to the University of Georgia as a student and alumnus were innumerable, and his loyalty to his alma mater was unmatched,” Georgia president Jere Morehead said in a statement Monday. “His legacy will live on forever in the history and traditions of this great institution.”

“Mr. Seiler was a dear friend who I cherished and will miss very much,” Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks said in a statement. “He was an iconic figure at the University of Georgia for the past almost 70 years. Because of his generosity, Uga is the most beloved and recognizable mascot in all of college athletics. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for building a legacy that will continue for years to come.”

Seiler’s day job was as an attorney in his native Savannah, Ga., where he passed away Monday after a short illness, per the school.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Georgia Legend, Sonny Seiler. The patriarch of our beloved “UGA” will forever live in Georgia history.

Our thoughts go out to the Seiler family and all of those who were impacted by the life of Mr. Sonny Seiler. pic.twitter.com/bCOcS1aENV

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 29, 2023

Sonny Seiler, the patriarch of the Uga line of Georgia Bulldogs mascots, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Seiler and his wife, Cecelia, began the Uga tradition in 1956 when they brought their English Bulldog to Georgia’s season opener at the request of then-coach Wally Butts. Since then, the Seiler family has raised a continuous line of Uga mascots, starting with Uga I in 1956 and continuing through Uga XI, who was “collared” at this year’s spring game.

Seiler was not only known for his role in the Uga tradition but also for his gregarious personality and approachability. He was a familiar presence at Georgia games and other events, beloved by fans and players alike. One of the most memorable stories about Seiler involves his encounter with Clint Eastwood during the filming of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Eastwood had given Uga V a cameo in the movie and told Seiler, “I’m going to make you a celebrity.” Seiler responded, “Uga already is a celebrity, Mr. Eastwood.”

The passing of Sonny Seiler marks the third loss of a Georgia legend in less than a year. Vince Dooley, former head coach and athletic director, passed away in October, followed by the death of Charley Trippi, one of the greatest players in Georgia history, at the age of 100. The University of Georgia community mourns the loss of these influential figures who have left an indelible mark on the institution.

Georgia president Jere Morehead expressed his condolences, saying, “Sonny’s contributions to the University of Georgia as a student and alumnus were innumerable, and his loyalty to his alma mater was unmatched. His legacy will live on forever in the history and traditions of this great institution.” Similarly, Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks paid tribute to Seiler, calling him an iconic figure at the university and acknowledging his instrumental role in making Uga the beloved and recognizable mascot it is today.

Aside from his involvement with the Uga line of mascots, Sonny Seiler had a successful career as an attorney in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. He passed away on Monday after a brief illness.

The news of Sonny Seiler’s passing has saddened the Georgia community, and tributes have poured in on social media. The official Georgia Football Twitter account posted a message honoring Seiler as a Georgia legend and expressing condolences to the Seiler family and all those affected by his life.

Sonny Seiler’s legacy as the patriarch of the Uga line of Georgia Bulldogs mascots will forever be remembered. His dedication to the University of Georgia and his beloved alma mater will continue to inspire generations to come. As the Georgia community mourns his loss, they also celebrate the incredible contributions he made and the lasting impact he had on the university and its traditions.

(Photo: Jeff Schultz / The Athletic)