The Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky, passed away recently, leaving fans and the entire organization in mourning. Rocky had been a cherished figure at Nuggets games for many years, bringing joy and excitement to fans of all ages. Rocky was known for his high-energy performances and entertaining antics. He would often perform acrobatic flips and dunks during halftime shows, keeping the crowd engaged and entertained. His infectious enthusiasm and love for the game of basketball made him an integral part of the Nuggets experience. Beyond his on-court performances, Rocky was also actively involved in the community.
In particular, the Denver Nuggets, a team owned by KSE, absolutely refuse to reveal any details about the person inside the suit of Rocky, the beloved mountain lion mascot.
Certainly, part of the mascot allure is that fans don t know who is inside the suit of characters like the Phillie Phanatic, Benny the Bull or Gritty. In particular, the Denver Nuggets, a team owned by KSE, absolutely refuse to reveal any details about the person inside the suit of Rocky, the beloved mountain lion mascot.
Beyond his on-court performances, Rocky was also actively involved in the community. He would visit local schools and hospitals, spreading cheer and inspiring children to pursue their dreams. Rocky's presence was not limited to game days; he made a positive impact on the Denver community as a whole.
Who the Heck Is in the Rocky Mascot Suit These Days?
Who carries the nuclear football? Did aliens build the pyramids? Are Tupac and Biggie actually still alive?
The deep state has protected answers to these questions to an impressive degree, leaving many of us still wondering. But the powers-that-be have nothing on Kroenke Sports and Entertainment when it comes to closely guarding secrets.
In particular, the Denver Nuggets, a team owned by KSE, absolutely refuse to reveal any details about the person inside the suit of Rocky, the beloved mountain lion mascot.
Certainly, part of the mascot allure is that fans don't know who is inside the suit of characters like the Phillie Phanatic, Benny the Bull or Gritty. But an exception should be made in the situation of Rocky, because the story is just that compelling.
Kenn Solomon was the first person to don the Rocky suit when the mountain lion was born in the Rockies in 1990. Solomon wore the suit to critical acclaim, as fans from around the globe came to love Rocky for his energy, athleticism and antics. In recognition of his lifelong service to the mascot profession, the Mascot Hall of Fame inducted Solomon into that ring of honor in 2008.
But in recent years, Solomon quietly retired and handed off Rocky's paws to a successor: his real-life son, Drake. This type of development is a public-relations layup for any organization. The man inside the suit of a universally appreciated mascot handed over the reins to his son, who had worked as a trampoline dunk halftime performer for the Nuggets. It's the type of story that would go viral in the best way imaginable for the Nuggets.
But this organization chooses to act like a major-league sports Grinch when it comes to Rocky, depriving fans of all the fun that could be had.
"It is our approach not to discuss the person in the suit for Rocky, Bernie, Woolly or Rapid Man," Declan Bolger, a KSE spokesperson, has previously told Westword, also listing off the mascots for the KSE-owned Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth and Colorado Rapids. Bolger did not return a request for comment this time around, either.
Season-ticket holders and those who attend a bunch of Nuggets games have noticed that Rocky has seemed a little different. The most notable change is that he struggles now with hitting the mascot's patented backwards half-court shot.
Until recently, Kenn Solomon, sporting a purple-dyed soul patch, could actually be spotted on the court right next to Rocky while the mascot was attempting to hit the backwards half-court shot. A father was coaching his son, as though they were in the driveway shooting hoops or hitting batting practice together in a classic father-son bonding activity. Kenn Solomon declined to comment, as did his other son, Cade, who works as Rocky's guide during games. Drake Solomon did not return a request for comment. A third son, Garett, has been working as Hooper, the mascot for the Detroit Pistons.
But there's an incredible twist to all of this: During the February 2 game at Ball Arena between the Golden State Warriors and the Nuggets, Kenn Solomon could not be spotted on the floor when Rocky was taking his backwards half-court shot. But neither was he actually out of the picture.
A source, whose name Westword has agreed to withhold owing to what is obviously some classified-documents-level sensitivity surrounding the identity of Rocky, says that Kenn is once again donning the suit of Rocky. This development is quite recent and has nothing to do with the performance of Drake as Rocky. Instead, Drake is on the mascot injured reserve. While he gets his medical issues sorted out, Dad is donning the suit. What a luxury to have a mascot father.
And that might just give Kenn — the OG Rocky — the sendoff that he had always hoped for: serving as Rocky in the finals as the Nuggets lock up the team's first-ever NBA championship.
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Conor McCormick-Cavanagh is a former staff writer at Westword, where he covered a range of beats, including local politics, immigration and homelessness. He previously worked as a journalist in Tunisia and loves to talk New York sports; he now lives in upstate New York.
The deep state has protected answers to these questions to an impressive degree, leaving many of us still wondering. But the powers-that-be have nothing on Kroenke Sports and Entertainment when it comes to closely guarding secrets.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of condolences and memories of their interactions with Rocky. Many recalled how he would always make time to take pictures and interact with fans, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. His passion for the Nuggets and his dedication to the fan base will forever be remembered. The loss of Rocky will undoubtedly be felt throughout the Nuggets organization. He was more than just a mascot; he was a beloved member of the Nuggets family. The team is now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement who can carry on Rocky's legacy and continue to bring excitement to the fans. As the Denver Nuggets community mourns the loss of their beloved mascot, they can take solace in knowing that Rocky's spirit will always be with them. His impact on the team and the fans will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Rocky. You will be dearly missed..
Reviews for "Remembering the Denver Nuggets' Mascot: A Fan's Perspective"
1. Mike - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Denver Nuggets mascot passed our event. My kids were excited to see the mascot up close and maybe even get a picture with it, but it was nowhere to be found. We asked the staff and they said the mascot had a schedule conflict and couldn't make it. It would have been nice if they had informed us beforehand so we could have made alternate plans. Overall, not a great experience for us.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - The Denver Nuggets mascot passed our event was a complete letdown. Not only was the mascot missing, but there was no explanation or apology from the organizers. It felt like a bait and switch situation. We had gone specifically to see the mascot and without it, the event felt lackluster. I would not recommend attending any future events organized by them.
3. John - 2/5 - I attended the Denver Nuggets mascot passed our event with my friends and we were all disappointed by the lack of organization. The event started late and there was no clear communication about what was happening. We ended up waiting around for a long time, only to be told later that the mascot wouldn't be able to make it. It was a waste of our time and ruined our evening. I would not recommend attending similar events in the future.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I had high expectations for the Denver Nuggets mascot passed our event, but it turned out to be a complete disaster. The mascot was a no-show and there was no explanation given. The organizers seemed unprepared and there was a general lack of enthusiasm from the staff. It was a huge letdown and I would not recommend anyone wasting their time attending such poorly organized events.