NC State Football
Let’s Get This Straight. This is TUFFY. Not Mr. Wuf, People
I feel something needs to be cleared up once and for all. This isn’t Mr. Wuf.
This is Tuffy.
This is Mr. Wuf.
Tuffy was the primary logo for NC State for nearly 30 years (late 60’s-late 90’s), until the “Block S” took over.
In fact,
“Tuffy, the Strutting Wolf’ registered trademark of NC State is the only wolf on campus allowed to wear the Block “S” trademark,”(Link)
Also, GoPack.com confirms my dude is “Tuffy”,
Tuffy primarily has black hair. Mr. Wuf has grey hair.
Tuffy has the “Block S” on his sweater, and Mr. Wuf doesn’t. In fact, according to the trademark, he can’t.
Mr. Wuf and Mrs. Wuf were married in 1981, and the Wake Forest Demon Deacon officiated the wedding.
But…Mr. Wuf didn’t even get the name “Mr. Wuf until 1983.
1983 — According to Peeler, Scott Joseph, the man behind the mask from 1981 to 1984, was instrumental in helping the Wolfpack mascot “evolve.” He was also the one who coined the title “Mr. Wuf.”
“He was very active,” Peeler said. “He made his own costume and at some point put ‘Mr. Wuf’ on the back, and it stuck.”
In an interview with The Wolfpacker, Joseph said that he and his mother came up with the now-famous name.
“The only thing that was provided was the head, the rest you had to come up with on your own,” Joseph said. “My mom sewed a suit out of fur and gave me a jersey. So we sat down and decided to call him ‘Mr. Wuf’ and she sewed that on my jersey.” (Link)
Then the two of them renewed their vows on their 30-year anniversary in 2011. Not sure if they lost that fire, or if they were having communication issues…but here it is.
My point in all of this is to make it crystal clear that Tuffy is not Mr. Wuf.
Tuffy was solidified as a logo and icon for NC State years before Mr. Wuf was ever officially Mr. Wuf.
Don’t believe me? Check out this poster with Tuffy and NC State legends Ted Brown and Jim Ritcher.
Tuffy isn’t a sweaty dude in a suit. He’s freaking iconic. He’s trademarked. He’s a logo. The only thing allowed to impersonate him is a wild animal that wants to ravage it’s prey.
Enter from stage right…
In 2010 Tuffy, the dog, was put on the sideline as a live mascot impersonating the “strutting wolf Tuffy”.
And then in 2016 the world was introduced to Tuffy II
Yes, the live versions of the logo Tuffy, Tuffy and Tuffy II, were in fact dogs, not wolves. We used to have real wolves on the sideline, but for some reason, people thought it was dangerous.
Anyways, just thought we’d clear that up for everyone since it’s a common misconception amongst Wolfpack fans.
Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1″/195) confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next week beginning on May 7th.
After receiving an offer from NC State yesterday, it didn’t take him long to set up the visit.
AGTG Blessed to receive an offer from NC State 🤘🏾❤️ #PackPride pic.twitter.com/mIws42lE7L
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) May 1, 2024
Martin Jr. is familiar with NC State, because he was recruited by Wolfpack Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson before he left West Virginia to come to Raleigh. Even though he never coached him, a relationship was established.
Martin Jr.’s connections to NC State are deeper than that. Former NC State Cornerback Derrek Pitts, who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is his cousin.
This past year, Martin Jr. recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups for Akron, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. His PFF Grade was 68.9.
In 2022, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. Martin Jr.’s PFF Grade was 60.9.
In 2019, as a Freshman for West Virginia, Martin Jr. earned PFF Freshman All-American honors, recording a grade of 70.6, with 50 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
In Game film… pic.twitter.com/vunpDgPsBC
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) January 16, 2024
247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.
ACC Teams in the Top-25
11. FSU
14. Miami
16. Clemson
20. NC State
24. Virginia Tech
25. Louisville
NC State Football
NC State Ranks 8th in Players Selected in the NFL Draft in the ACC in the Last 10 Years
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and NC State had two players drafted: Linebacker Payton Wilson in the 3rd round, and Center Dylan McMahon in the 6th round.
Over the past 10 years, NC State has produced 25 NFL Draft picks, and 3 1st round picks. The 25 Draft Picks ranks 8th in the ACC, and the 3 1st Round picks is tied for 7th.
NC State produced 18 NFL Draft Picks in the first 5 Draft’s of Dave Doeren’s tenure. Only 8 Wolfpack players have been selected in the past 5 NFL Drafts.
Players selected in the NFL Draft under Dave Doeren:
2024
Payton Wilson, LB – Pittsburgh – 3rd – 98th
Dylan McMahon, C – Philadelphia – 6th – 190th
NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.
NC State’s Shyheim Battle has been invited to rookie mini camp with the Jets with the opportunity to earn a priority free agent contract. #ncstate #NFLDraft #wpn
— Pat Welter WRAL (@PatrickWelter) April 28, 2024
Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.
He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.
In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.
