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Unofficial mascots for the Cowboys and the Dolphins dead at 76 and 72

Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones died at his home of complications from diabetes and cardiovascular disease on Saturday, March 17. "Crazy Ray" entertained the fans of the Dallas Cowboys from the 1960s through the 1980s as a sideline cheerleader, wearing a blue vest, white hat, chaps, and six-shooters. He would occasionally ride a stick horse or scuffle with the opposing team's mascot. Jones was even granted a special parking space at Texas Stadium and granted all-access at home games. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: "Ray was the most dedicated, entertaining and passionate of Cowboys fans. He touched thousands of lives and generations of football fans." Wilford Jones will be buried in one of his costumes. He was 76.

Denny Sym, who had been battling kidney disease and cancer for several years, died Friday, March 16. Known as "Dolfan Denny," Sym cheered on Miami Dolphins fans for 34 years, starting with the Dolphins' first game in 1966. Sym led the crowds in cheers and chants wearing a glittering orange and aqua hat. In 1976, then-team owner Joe Robbie asked Sym to be the team's official motivator, paying him $50 a game and moving him to the field. Sym retired in 2000, his health and heckling from belligerent fans were the cited reasons. His wife Ingrid: "He did everything he could to always be with his team. He loved football until his last day." Sym was 72.

Sources: Associated Press, dallasnews.com, miamiherald.com

Posted by Corey Anderson at March 19, 2007 10:45 AM

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