Published 5 days ago • Statesboro, United States • Updated 5 days ago

Legendary Georgia Southern mascot, Freedom, dead at 20

Georgia Southern University's live bald eagle mascot, Freedom, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, after serving as a symbol of pride and unity for over two decades.
Freedom, a 20-year-old bald eagle, joined the Georgia Southern community in 2004 after being rescued as a young eagle in Maitland, Florida, when he fell from his nest and suffered a permanent beak injury that prevented his return to the wild.
Freedom became a staple at major university occasions, including football games, graduation ceremonies, St. Patrick's Day parades in Savannah, and community outreach events across the State of Georgia and the nation.
Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero stated that Freedom was more than a mascot, representing strength, spirit, and unity for Georgia Southern, and the university plans to pay tribute to Freedom with details to be announced later.
Steve Hein, a falconer, often held Freedom above Georgia Southern players and fans, such as after the 21-14 overtime win against Appalachian State at Paulson Stadium on November 6, 2010, and on November 4, 2021, Hein introduced Freedom to Clay Helton, the new head football coach, and his wife Angela.

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The Georgia Sun

Center

Farewell Freedom: Remembering The Life Of Georgia Southern University's Mascot

Georgia Southern University is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished figures — Freedom, the university’s live bald eagle mascot — who passed away this week. For more than 20 years, Freedom wasn’t just a symbol. He was a soaring embodiment of Eagle Nation’s pride, resilience, and identity. Since arriving on campus in 2004, the once-injured raptor touched hearts, lifted spirits, and educated thousands about the importance of conservation.…

5 days ago

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Savannah Morning News

Lean Right

Georgia Southern Mascot Freedom has passed, here's a look back through the years

Georgia Southern announced the passing of Eagle mascot Freedom, who thrilled fans with his pre-game flight during home football games.

5 days ago

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WSAV

Center

GSU's cherished eagle mascot Freedom passes away

Georgia Southern University posted on their social media Saturday that their mascot, Freedom the eagle, died. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved live bald eagle mascot, Freedom. For more than two decades, Freedom has served as a symbol of pride for Georgia Southern, uniting Eagle Nation. Freedom has been a part of the University community since 2004, when he was found knocked out of a nest in Maitland, Florida, and…

5 days ago·Savannah, United States

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WJCL

Center

Legendary Georgia Southern mascot, Freedom, dead at 20

The bald eagle was rescued by the university in 2004

5 days ago

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11ALIVE

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Freedom the bald eagle, Georgia Southern’s live mascot, dies after 20 years

Georgia Southern University is mourning the loss of Freedom, its live bald eagle mascot who inspired students and alumni for over two decades.

5 days ago

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Statesboro Herald

Beloved Georgia Southern mascot 'Freedom' passes away

Georgia Southern University’s beloved live bald eagle mascot, “Freedom,” passed away Saturday, the university announced in a release Saturday afternoon.

5 days ago·Statesboro, United States

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