Cleatus: The Official Mascot of Fox Sports

Cleatus the Robot, a CGI-animated character, has become an iconic figure in the world of sports broadcasting. Serving as the official mascot for Fox NFL Sunday and Fox Sports as a whole, Cleatus has captured the attention and imagination of fans across the country. But how did this unique robot come to be and what is the story behind its name?

In the winter of 2007, Fox Sports held a viewer contest to find a suitable name for their newly created robot character. Fans were invited to submit their entries, and after careful consideration, Cleatus was chosen as the winning name. The name Cleatus is of Greek origin, meaning “called forth,” and it perfectly captures the essence of this animated creation.

Created by Gary Hartley, who now holds the position of Fox Sports’ Executive Vice President of Graphics, Cleatus was designed to be a visually striking and attention-grabbing mascot. Sporting the number 34 on its back, Cleatus pays homage to the legendary Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton.

Since its introduction, Cleatus has become synonymous with Fox Sports and has become a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting. Its distinctive appearance and animated movements have made it instantly recognizable to fans tuning in to Fox NFL Sunday and other Fox Sports programs.

Cleatus the Robot’s popularity is not just limited to its appearance on television. It has also gained a significant following on social media platforms and has become a symbol of the Fox Sports brand. Fans can often spot Cleatus making appearances at various sports events and promotional activities, further cementing its status as a beloved mascot.

The enduring popularity of Cleatus lies in its ability to connect with fans of all ages. Its playful and zany personality, coupled with its association with Fox Sports, has made it a favorite among sports enthusiasts. Whether it’s knocking someone on the head with a football or engaging in other animated antics, Cleatus never fails to entertain and captivate its audience.

Cleatus the Robot has become an integral part of the Fox Sports brand. From its humble beginnings as a viewer-named contest winner, Cleatus has evolved into a beloved mascot that represents the spirit of sports broadcasting. Its distinctive appearance, animated movements, and association with Fox NFL Sunday have made it a recognizable figure in the world of sports. Cleatus is a testament to the power of creative mascots in capturing the hearts and imaginations of fans everywhere.

What Happened To Cleatus The Robot?

Cleatus the robot was struck on the head by a football, courtesy of the King. This zany occurrence resulted in Cleatus experiencing a blow to the cranium inflicted by a spherical object commonly used in the sport of football. The impact of the football meeting Cleatus’s head can be described as a forceful collision, potentially causing discomfort or injury to the robot. The King, in a whimsical manner, chose to deliver this blow to Cleatus, demonstrating playful and mischievous behavior.

As a result of this incident, Cleatus the robot may have sustained various consequences, which could include physical damage, malfunction, or temporary impairment. These potential outcomes can manifest in different ways, depending on the design and resilience of Cleatus’s robotic structure. It is essential to note that the specific repercussions of being hit by a football may vary, as they are contingent upon the robot’s construction, durability, and the force with which the football struck Cleatus’s head.

Potential effects of the football impact on Cleatus:

1. Physical damage: The collision with the football might have caused visible external damage to Cleatus’s head, resulting in dents, scratches, or other forms of impairment.

2. Functional impairment: The blow to Cleatus’s head could have disrupted its internal mechanisms, potentially impacting its ability to perform certain tasks or functions. This impairment may affect Cleatus’s mobility, communication abilities, or any other features programmed into the robot.

3. Sensor malfunction: If Cleatus possesses sensors on its head, such as cameras or proximity detectors, the impact of the football could have damaged or misaligned these sensors, causing them to malfunction or provide inaccurate data.

4. Cognitive glitches: Cleatus’s operating system or artificial intelligence algorithms may have experienced temporary disruptions due to the impact, leading to temporary glitches in its cognitive processes. This could result in issues with decision-making, problem-solving, or executing programmed commands.

5. Reboot or repair requirement: Depending on the severity of the impact and resulting damage, Cleatus may require a system reboot or physical repair to restore its functionality fully. This process might involve technicians or engineers examining and resolving any issues caused by the football collision.

The incident involving Cleatus being struck on the head by a football, initiated by the King, has the potential to lead to a range of consequences, from minor physical damage to more significant functional impairments. The specific effects will be determined by the robot’s design, construction, and the force exerted by the football.

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What Is Cleetus Short For?

Cletus is a boy’s name of Greek origin that is sometimes used as a short-form of the Catholic Pope name Anacletus. The name Cletus itself means “called forth” in Greek. While Cletus is an ancient name, it has not yet gained the popularity of other similar names such as Theodore, Leo, Atticus, and Max. It is important to note that Cletus is primarily used as a standalone name rather than a nickname for another name.

What Is The Fox Robots Name?

The Fox robot’s name is Cleatus. Cleatus is a CGI-animated robot character that serves as the official mascot for Fox NFL Sunday and all of Fox Sports. The name Cleatus was chosen through a viewer contest held in the winter of 2007. This contest allowed fans to submit entries to select the robot’s name, and Cleatus was ultimately selected as the winner. Cleatus is a well-known and recognizable figure in the world of sports broadcasting, representing the Fox brand and adding a unique element to their coverage. The choice of the name Cleatus helps to create a memorable and distinct identity for the Fox robot, enhancing the viewer’s experience and reinforcing the connection between the Fox network and its sports programming.

Why Does Cleatus Wear the Number 34?

Cleatus, the iconic robot mascot of Fox Sports, wears the number 34 as a tribute to the late Walter Payton, a legendary running back for the Chicago Bears. Developed by Gary Hartley, Cleatus was designed to embody the spirit and excitement of American football. The choice of the number 34 is a deliberate homage to Payton, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Walter Payton, often referred to as “Sweetness,” played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987. He was known for his exceptional skills, agility, and determination on the field. Payton achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including being selected to nine Pro Bowls, earning NFL MVP honors in 1977, and winning a Super Bowl with the Bears in 1985. He retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, a record he held for over two decades.

Payton’s impact extended beyond his on-field achievements. He was admired for his sportsmanship, work ethic, and philanthropy. Payton’s commitment to giving back to the community and helping others made him a beloved figure both on and off the field. His legacy continues to inspire football players and fans alike.

By wearing the number 34, Cleatus pays tribute to the greatness of Walter Payton and symbolizes the passion and excitement of the sport. The choice of this number serves as a reminder of Payton’s remarkable career and the lasting impact he had on the game of football.

Conclusion

Cleatus is a unique and ancient name of Greek origin, meaning “called forth.” While it may not have gained the same popularity as other more commonly used names, it holds a distinct charm and historical significance. Cleatus the Robot, on the other hand, is a CGI-animated character that serves as the official mascot for Fox NFL Sunday and Fox Sports. This robotic mascot, developed by Gary Hartley, pays tribute to the late Walter Payton, a legendary Chicago Bears running back, by wearing the number 34. Cleatus the Robot has become a beloved symbol for Fox Sports and adds a fun and entertaining element to their broadcasts.

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David Bordallo

David Bordallo is a senior editor with BlogDigger.com, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has a keen interest in education and loves to write kids friendly content. David is passionate about quality-focused journalism and has worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years. He has written for some of the biggest blogs and newspapers in the world. When he's not writing or spending time with his family, David enjoys playing basketball and golfing. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin and currently resides in Anaheim, California