Before Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles kicks off, another fierce showdown takes center stage: Puppy Bowl XXI.
As Saquon Barkley fights for a Super Bowl win with the Eagles, Saquon Barky (a Bernese mountain dog/Australian shepherd mix) battles for Puppy Bowl glory with Team Ruff against Team Fluff.
Barky is joined by other NFL-inspired pups, including Dee-Bone Samuel (poodle mix) and Paws Allen (Labrador retriever mix), named after San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, respectively. Dee-Bone Samuel, representing Team Ruff, is from the Sacramento SPCA in Sacramento, California, and Team Fluff’s Paws Allen is from Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue in Buffalo, New York.
Since 2005, the Puppy Bowl has raised awareness for animal shelters, with most of its 100-plus furry players up for adoption. Beyond the cuteness, the stakes are high — players compete for the Lombarky Trophy and the title of “Most Pupular” in the Pupularity Playoffs.
Here are the highlights from the ultimate underdog showdown.
Team Fluff in control in the third quarter
Scoreboard update! Seems like the 🔹blue🔹have quite the lead! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/0lWQbE3HMW
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Abigail rushes through the water bowl for a score
Abigail just scored a touchdown – and she made a splash while doing it! 💦 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/KNu13xjV6n
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Team Fluff tallies a tandem touchdown
The Fluff players are pulling out ALL the moves 😳🤞 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/Yr8zFsVcuW
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Kittens offer the game’s halftime entertainment
It’s a NoLa pawty at the kitty halftime show! 😸 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/dbi1f6MsyV
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Charlotte makes Puppy Bowl history
That’s a HISTORIC FIRST thanks to Team Fluff’s Charlotte! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/eVDaBp7GXb
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Three Team Ruff players combine for a score
This creative touchdown was trio-mendous 🤩 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/GeK5wUyu5C
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Team Ruff runs an unconventional play
An interesting tactic from Team Ruff? 😅 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/pmQNb8g4eE
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
A successful field goal by Kiki
Kiki has kicked it in for a field goal 🙌 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/hDlIt0MJu6
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Enrique’s field goal is… overturned?
Coach Harpaw was NOT about to let that slide 👀 Watch as Enrique’s field goal actually got overturned! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/Xc9DUKkZZJ
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
An early lead for Team Ruff
We’ve got points on the board after the first big play. Team Ruff is in the lead! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/dzx5nwyFKu
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
And Foxtrot makes the FIRST SCORE OF THE GAME! 🗣️ #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/GlqQkIMaDd
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
The lineups for Teams Fluff and Ruff
Team Fluff is officially in the house! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/qRKeKLnj7I
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
Let’s hear it for the first starting line-up of the reigning champs, Team Ruff! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/oXsq9tAh3d
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
The pups go through some pregame drills
Carl is showing his athleticism in this challenging ball pit! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/KfrpMCLnBd
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
We’re kicking it off with the 3-Bone Drill, and Alice isn’t afraid to show everyone what she’s got! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/qFF2r4pnyP
— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025
