Denver Broncos retire live horse mascot Thunder after 30 years
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 10:45 PM
Last updated Aug 10, 2026
The Denver Broncos announced the retirement of their live horse mascot, Thunder, and his rider, Ann Judge, following the 2025 NFL season. Thunder's owner, Sharon Magness Blake, cited the horse's age and the absence of a backup horse as reasons for the decision. Thunder has been a staple at Broncos games since 1993, inspiring fans and supporting community outreach initiatives. The Broncos plan to continue the Thunder program with a new horse starting next season.
- •Thunder and Ann Judge retire after the 2025 NFL season.
- •Thunder participated in three Super Bowl-winning seasons.
- •Broncos will replace Thunder with a new team and horse in 2026.
- •Thunder engaged in community events throughout Denver.
- •Sharon Magness Blake plans to hand over the reins due to Thunder's age.
- 10:45 PMYahoo Sports — Denver Broncos' live horse mascot Thunder and team retiring
"After 30 years, Sharon Magness Blake, Ernie Blake and rider Ann Judge are hanging up the reins of Thunder, the Denver Broncos' live horse mascot.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Aug 10, 2026, 11:03 PMShedeur Sanders gets dissed amid Browns QB battle with Deshaun Watson
- NFL•Aug 10, 2026, 11:00 PM'This time it's official': Lions QB Teddy Bridgewater confirms retirement
- NFL•Aug 10, 2026, 10:57 PMBears Sign Veteran Ray-Ray McCloud III for Wide Receiver Roster Depth
- NFL•Aug 10, 2026, 10:53 PMDeAndre Hopkins accuses ex-Cards GM Steve Keim of 'set up'
- NFL•Aug 10, 2026, 10:53 PMFormer Lions Veteran Quarterback Officially Announces Retirement
- NFL•Aug 10, 2026, 10:10 PM10 takeaways from Ravens' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason
