I've said it before and I'll say it again: sports could really benefit from more cute animals. Sure, you have mascots that are usually anthropomorphic animals, but I'm talking about the real deal. No more racing CGI sharks, no more disrespect for the Puppy Bowl. I want animals on the field right next to Tom Brady and on the court alongside Steph Curry.
And at least one team has taken my very unsolicited advice. OK, they probably didn't get the idea from me, but I digress. Boise State's football team has been getting a lot of recognition as of late for it's true underdog player: Kohl, the 7-year-old black lab.
No, Kohl is not actually the school's quarterback; this isn't an "Air Bud" spinoff. The dog's job is to retrieve the tee after kickoff. Usually, this job is reserved for a human staff member. But if a dog can do the job just as well, while also adding a level of cuteness previously unknown to football, then why not hire the dog?
The most impressive part is that the football team isn't even the only one he plays on at Boise State. Kohl also retrieves bats for the Boise Hawks minor league baseball team and shoots free throws during halftime at local basketball games.
Kohl has become so popular among Boise fans, he's now featured on the Boise Hawks' team poster. The black lab will even sign autographs with his paw if asked nicely!
And don't think for a minute that Kohl had this life handed to him on a silver platter silver dog bowl. The very good dog's life story gives "The Blind Side" a run for its money when it comes to rags-to-riches stories.
According to the Idaho Statesman, Kohl spent the first few years of his life in an abusive household where he wasn't properly taken care of. It wasn't until he moved in with trainer Britta Clossom at the age of 3 that he started undergoing training. And while this is usually too late in the game to start serious training, Kohl's dedication and love for the sport helped him persevere.
If that isn't a success story, then I don't know what is. Plus, just look at him. He's so cute!