You’ve seen Blue out in the community or at Lucas Oil Stadium cheering on the Indianapolis Colts. But how much do you really know about the man behind the mascot? We talked with this month’s cover model, Trey Mock, about being an award-winning mascot for Indy’s favorite football team.
What does it feel like to be Blue in front of a stadium of thousands of people?
It’s amazing to perform on game days in front of our fans. I can feel the love that people have for Blue everywhere we go. I’m so grateful for that love from Colts Nation and the state of Indiana.
How similar are you and Blue?
Blue is basically my personality wrapped in fur and amplified. I’m pretty adventurous and I love to make people laugh. What other job allows you to drive an IndyCar around the city in a pretend horse costume while people giggle and take pictures? But as much fun as we have, I am motivated by making an impact in someone’s life. That’s why we perform school shows every year across Indiana.
Speaking of school shows, I read that you do more than 100 shows per year! How do you stay energized?
I get my energy from our fans. Performing school shows is my favorite thing that we do. We get to teach students important messages in a fun and engaging way. Kids will come up to Blue throughout the year and say, “Hey, Blue! Do you remember when you came to my school? It was awesome!” Having that big of an impact on the students of Indiana is such a blessing.
Our newest show is geared toward high school students. I break the biggest mascot rule and “take off my mask” to encourage students to stop hiding behind their “masks” — social media, popularity, etc. Once we stop hiding behind our masks, we can be our truest selves and choose love over hate.
You were awarded the NFL Mascot of the Year in 2016 and 2019. What does it take to be an award-winning mascot?
It takes an unbelievable team to be this successful. We have the greatest ownership in all of sports. It is the Irsay family’s love and dedication to the community that allows us to have this amazing platform.
My family has also been a major factor in our success. I have all the support in the world from my parents, wife and kiddos. My favorite quote is by Steve Prefontaine: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” That’s what I strive for every day.
What do your children think when they see you performing as Blue?
Blue has become a family member in our home. He lives at our house and our kids have never known life without him. When our son was younger, he would ask his friends what costume their dad dresses up in for work. It took a while for him to understand that not everyone dresses up in a costume for work. They absolutely love what dad does for a living.
Blue doesn’t talk, but if you could say anything to your fans, what would that be?
There are not words to adequately express the gratitude that I have for Indiana and the amazing people that make it a great state. I might have been born in Georgia, but believe me, I’m a Hoosier through and through. It has been such a blessing to create Blue and perform for our fans over the last 13 years. I’m not sure how many years I have left as Blue, but I promise that I will spend that time returning the love that our fans have showered upon us. I thank you, I love you and GO COLTS!
