Philly Elmo got a well deserved shoutout on Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! just can’t get enough of Philadelphia. In a recent episode, one of the clues spotlighted Philly’s iconic mascots, and smack in the middle of it all was none other than Philly Elmo.

Yes, the same Philly Elmo who went from street performer to local legend is now sharing the stage with the Phanatic and Gritty—two heavyweights of Philly mascot lore.

It’s kind of wild to think about.

This guy, who just slapped on an Elmo suit and a big smile, has managed to become one of the city’s most beloved figures. Philly’s all about the grind, and Philly Elmo embodies that spirit, working his way from the streets to primetime TV, one drumbeat at a time.

But there’s a glaring omission here: Sixers’ mascot Franklin didn’t even get a nod. And honestly, it’s not that surprising. For many Philly fans, there’s only one true basketball mascot—Hip Hop, the energetic rabbit who reigned supreme before Franklin.

It’s time the Sixers wake up and give credit where it’s due. Hip Hop was the guy back when Allen Iverson ruled the court, and he still holds a special place in fans’ hearts.

Announce it and all is forgiven pic.twitter.com/GT7Nx3iNS5

— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) July 1, 2024

So while it’s great to see Philly Elmo get his moment, let’s not forget the real mascot hierarchy in this city. Philly doesn’t just crown mascots; they’ve got to earn it, and Philly Elmo’s done just that.

Philly Elmo, who’s literally a guy in a red furry children’s suit parading around with a drum line, has skyrocketed to the top tier of Philly mascots. Here’s a dude who just threw on an Elmo suit one day, teamed up with some street musicians, and built a brand. Philly Elmo is the American Dream in action— right here in the city of Brotherly Love that literally penned the words life, liberty, and making a living by prancing around the city with a drum line.

Not exactly those words but you get the point. It’s the kind of hustle that this city loves to celebrate, and now the guy’s even made it onto Jeopardy!, the holy grail of American trivia shows.

For real Philly fans, the legend of Philly Elmo has been around for the better part of a decade. The Great Philly Trash Fire back in 2018. I mean seriously, how could anyone forget?

Philly Elmo at the Great Philadelphia Trash Fire of 2018

Side Note: That video is absolutely hilarious. lol.

From there, the city had Philly Elmo fever. While others ran from the chaos, Philly Elmo danced right through it, making him an instant meme and cult hero.

From there, he has risen to fame and has been spotted at protests, campaign rallies, and celebrations on Broad Street. Personally, I’d like to see Philly Elmo anywhere else besides a Joe Biden campaign rally but this legend holds no political affiliation.

Plus, Sleepy Joe probably thought that was actually Sesame Street Elmo- whatever makes old people happy, right? Philly Elmo was simply there, with his drumline, doing what he does best.

@phillyinquirer

We did not have Philly Elmo performing before a President Joe Biden speech on our 2024 bingo card 🥁 For more from Biden’s latest visit to Philadelphia, click the link in our bio. 📝 by Julia Terruso and Sean Collins Walsh / Staff 🎥 by Julia Terruso / Staff #foryou #Philly #elmo

♬ original sound – The Philadelphia Inquirer

@jukes

Even Elmo pulled up to Philly last night (via rawsalerts/tw)

♬ original sound – Jukes

It was a guaranteed lock that Philly Elmo would be at The Portal.

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A post shared by Barstool Philly (@barstoolphilly)

Back to the Jeopardy! moment for a second.

I’m honestly surprised Green Man got the shoutout but I guess when you’re on Always Sunny– a show that has been on television for 16 seasons, you get some love too. Green Man was a huge part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl parade and still is featured in #TailgateSZN every year.

My only issue with Green Man being included is that anyone can buy a Green Man suit and there is only one Philly Elmo.

Let’s pour one out for Phil E. Moose

He never got the love he deserved. It’s always tough looking back on what could have been with the Sixers and outside of the massive “Process” failure (outside of Embiid), choosing Franklin over Mr. Moose is shaping up to be a franchise-altering decision for all the wrong reasons.

Anyways, Philly Elmo clearly has earned his stripes. He didn’t get here by being flashy; he got here by showing up and giving his all for the fighting city of Philadelphia. If that’s not the essence of a Philly mascot, I don’t know what is.

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