First Illinois State New Reggie Redbird Mascot Bobblehead Unveiled

This morning, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first bobblehead featuring Illinois State’s updated Reggie Redbird mascot. The officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead features the Illinois State Redbirds’ mascot Reggie Redbird and follows the unveiling of the new look for ISU’s longtime mascot earlier this month. The bobblehead is being released to celebrate the new school year and College Colors Day, which is a national celebration observed on the Friday before Labor Day, that encourages students, alumni, fans, and families to wear their college colors and apparel to showcase school spirit and celebrate higher education.

The refreshed Reggie Redbird will make his official debut at the first home football game of the 2025 season against Morehead State on Saturday, September 6th at Hancock Stadium. The bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Illinois State University.

• The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in February, are now available at this link.
• Each bobblehead will be individually numbered to only 2,025.
• The bobbleheads are $35 each plus an $8 flat-rate shipping charge per order.
• Standing on a red and white base with a backing featuring the Illinois State Redbirds logo, the Reggie Redbird bobblehead is wearing a black No. 00 Redbirds football jersey while giving the No. 1 sign. The front of the red base reads “REDBIRDS.”
• On Saturday, August 9th, in conjunction with Illinois State’s commitment to tradition and innovation, Redbird Athletics unveiled a bold, new look for campus icon Reggie Redbird. According to ISU, the new Reggie “blends decades of passion and pride, bringing Illinois State’s brand to life with bolder, more expressive features. It reflects a stronger, more athletic image while preserving the playful spirit fans have loved for over 40 years.” The refreshed Reggie Redbird will make his official debut at the first home football game of the 2025 season against Morehead State on Saturday, September 6th at Hancock Stadium.
• In 1923, ISU athletics director Clifford E. “Pop” Horton and Daily Pantagraph sports editor Fred Young collaborated to change the university’s unofficial nickname away from “Fighting Teachers.” Horton wanted Cardinals, but Young changed the nickname to Red Birds to avoid confusion with St. Louis’ baseball team. Over the next decade, Red Birds morphed into Redbirds.
• Reggie Redbird’s appearance as ISU’s mascot has changed over the years. Bird mascots have been featured at sporting events since the 1950s. In 1981, the mascot was officially named when he was coined Reggie Redbird by the Junior Redbird Club. He is named after MLB Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, who has no connection to the university or the state of Illinois.
• “We’re excited to unveil the first bobblehead of the updated Reggie Redbird in celebration of his recent makeover,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “New-look Reggie is sure to be a big hit with Illinois State fans, and this bobblehead is a must-have for Redbird supporters everywhere!”
• The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country.