Jacksonville, FL – April 1, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move that will undoubtedly change the face of soccer, Sporting JAX is excited to announce the signing of Rex, the iconic 20-foot-tall steel-framed, stucco clad Beach Boulevard dinosaur, as the club’s new official mascot and center forward.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Rex join us,” said Sporting JAX President Steve Livingstone. “Rex’s towering size, warm personality, and fitting club orange color made him the obvious choice as our first signing. His height advantage will be unmatched in the United Soccer League — though, I should mention, we’re still working on the logistics of him being able to jump at all. Either way, opposing defenders won’t be able to miss him!”
Rex, who has long been a landmark of Jacksonville’s roadside culture, is no stranger to the spotlight or to sports. The six-ton dino with jagged teeth, killer jaw and light-bulb eyes that glow red at night was once the kingpin of the Goony Golf Course on Beach east of Southside Boulevard. His imposing frame and weathered orange exterior have stood the test of time (thanks to a refurbishment by UNF students in 2007) for the past 44 years. His new role as the centerpiece of Sporting JAX’s offensive strategy is expected to elevate the team’s set-piece game to new heights.
“We’re expecting Rex to really shake up the way we approach corners,” said Sporting JAX Head of Soccer Mark Warburton. “His size alone is a threat. It’s going to be impossible for any defender to get around him—unless, of course, they’re just faster, but who’s going to outrun a 20-foot T-Rex?”
Rex is expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s image and matchday atmosphere. With his towering presence, Rex will undoubtedly be the largest mascot in the United Soccer League, and likely the most charismatic—though he’s not exactly known for his verbal communication. “He’s a stucco dinosaur with glowing red eyes,” Livingstone explained. “His expressions are mostly limited to ‘silent but intimidating.’”
Rex’s official debut will be during the team’s inaugural USL Super League season this August at UNF, where he will be unveiled to fans in all his stucco glory. Sporting JAX are also expected to release limited edition “Don’t Get Caught by Rex” t-shirts.
For more information, please contact:
Sporting JAX Media Relations
Email: pr@sportingjax.com
Phone: 1-800-RAWR-4GOAL
About Sporting JAX:
Sporting JAX is Jacksonville’s proud USL pro soccer team, committed to bringing exciting, hard-hitting soccer entertainment to the city—now with a larger-than-life twist. We’ve got the skills, the fans, and now, thanks to Rex, the dino-sized advantage we need to take the USL by storm.
Disclaimer: Rex is not able to participate in any high-speed chasing, goalie saves, or low-flying headers due to his general lack of agility and arm length. He’s basically a giant, stationary goalpost with a lot of heart. And teeth. And stucco. But mostly heart.
