Meet the adoptable dogs in the game

Let’s get ready to hug!

Puppy Bowl 2021 starts on Sunday, ahead of the (likely) postponement of this year’s human Super Bowl 2021. Tom Brady, Gronk, Antonio Brown? Who are they? The real players to watch this year are Aaron Pawdgers, George Kibble, a two-legged puppy named Jett and the many other adorable faces of this year’s puppy players.

The big game, now in its 17th year, is dedicated to inspiring and adoptable dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds and personalities. Speaking of dogs, Snoop Dogg and his best friend Martha Stewart will host this year.

The event will see teams Ruff and Fluff engage in a hand-to-hand fight for the “Lombarky” trophy. Last year, it was Team Fluff, making Team Ruff the real underdogs this year.

The big game will be led by ESPN’s Monday Night Football announcer Steve Levy and SportsCenter host Sage Steele, with the help of animal advocates Kristen Bell, Valerie Bertinelli and Food Network star Duff Goldman. “Rufferee” Dan Schachner will enter the game for the 10th consecutive year. In addition, a crew of cute kittens will entertain viewers with paw presentations.

Before that, a pre-game show featuring fan favorite sports correspondents, Rodt Weiler, James Hound, Sheena Inu and reporters Brittany Spaniel and Herman Shepard, will share ideas from the Puppy Bowl that only a dog could convey.

The last pre-game program “mutt” airs at 1 pm EST / 10am PST, but the real “ruff” starts at 2pm EST / 11am PST on Sunday, February 7. Fortunately, there are two ways to watch – on the Discovery + app and on the Animal Planet network.

Here are some of the best boys and girls featured, in addition to the rest of the group, in the initial lineup of Puppy Bowl 2021.

Team Fluff

Aaron Pawdgers

This mix of Treeing walker coonhound / American Staffordshire terrier from Last Chance Animal Rescue will live up to its name.

Aubrey

You can tell just by looking at it: This American Staffordshire terrier / Australian mix from Danbury Animal Welfare Society is here to win.

Bananaberry

What wonder is a Bananaberry? In this case, it is an Australian Shepherd / Golden Retriever from Operation Paws for Homes.

Chunky monkey

Chunky Monkey, a mix of red and white Irish chow chow / setter has integrated padding, perfect for a winning tackle. The piece comes from Green Dogs Unleashed.

Foxy Cleopatra

And she is a lotta dog! This Russell terrier /bichon frize from Project Sato seems quick as a fox.

Jett

Meet Jett, a mix of Labrador with double front amputation from Pets With Disabilities in Maryland, who is preparing for the big game with regular walks across the field with his fellow cats and dogs with special needs.

Marshall

Another puppy with special needs in the game, this Boston terrier from Green Dogs Unleashed is training to be a therapy dog, where at a local hospital, he will provide a group of nurses from the COVID emergency room with a much needed mental break in at middle of the pandemic.

Fozzie

This Norwegian elkhound from Foster Dogs Inc. had its first preparation at the Harlem Doggie Day Spa before the big game.

Here is the rest of the Team Fluff lineup

Team Ruff

Argos

You just learned that this Belgian Malinois / American Staffordshire terrier from Rescue Dogs Rock is bringing his best game.

Cosmos

This Australian dog from Charlie’s Crusaders Pet Rescue loves the feeling of the wind in his ears.

Eclipse

Clear eyes, full heart, I can’t lose. This MatchDog Rescue Siberian / Shar-Pei Husky has a vision to win.

Fletcher

This American Staffordshire terrier / beagle may look sleepy, but … they give prizes for that too in the Puppy Bowl.

Gus

Gus may be just a small guy, but this Danbury Animal Welfare Society beagle / cocker spaniel brings great arrogance to your game.

Lucy

This beagle / bluetick coonhound looks like it’s about to pull a fast one. Watch out!

Spaulding

This Dog Star Rescue hairless terrier passes the vibe check.

Check out the rest of the Team Ruff lineup