Bowling Green State University Athletics
From Pudge Security to National Security
November 17, 2025 | General
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – It is with great honor for Bowling Green State University Athletics to announce that Pudge's Security has been tasked to a higher calling. Pudge the Cat's Chief Detail, Taylor Jefferson, will depart Bowling Green, Ohio, to serve in a role at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. In this capacity, Jefferson will join another set of Falcons in support of the Air Force's mission to Fly, Fight and Win.
"It is an honor to answer this call to service," Jefferson said. "They noticed the attention to detail and unwavering, top-notch security I brought to everyone's favorite feline, Pudge, so they picked up the phone." He continues, "When the United States Air Force calls, you answer. The Head of Pudge Security, who sometimes moonlit as the Assistant Director of Athletics for Marketing and Brand Enhancement (or whatever), will serve as the Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Creative at the Air Force Academy.
Jefferson was crucial in the growth in national attention for, not only Pudge, George Carlson, and the football program, but all BGSU athletics. Pudge and his protection were featured everywhere across the world from ESPN, Good Morning America, CNN, People Magazine, Barstool Sports, The Athletic and many more. From heads on stick, to Pudge Parties, to t-shirt sales, to NIL deals, to public appearances. Pudge has made a huge impact on this community and the country.
Jeremy Schapp, of ESPN, once asked Pudge's Security, "How did you get the role?" To which, the opportunistic Jefferson stated, "You dress for the job you want!" From there, Pudge Security was born. The idea spawned 'Pudge Security' shirts being sold at Falcon Outfitters and several Halloween doppelgangers.
Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics, Derek van der Merwe, stated "I am tremendously proud of Taylor. We are glad he answered the call to uphold the core values of integrity and service before self that the Air Force Academy demands. Any animals in Colorado will be lucky to have him." He continues, "He's okay at marketing too."
Before leaving his alma mater, Bowling Green State University, after eight years of service, Taylor Jefferson stated, "Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon. Ay Ziggy!"
You can see Pudge and his security at their final public appearance together at the Annual Bowling Green Holiday Parade on Sat., Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.
"It is an honor to answer this call to service," Jefferson said. "They noticed the attention to detail and unwavering, top-notch security I brought to everyone's favorite feline, Pudge, so they picked up the phone." He continues, "When the United States Air Force calls, you answer. The Head of Pudge Security, who sometimes moonlit as the Assistant Director of Athletics for Marketing and Brand Enhancement (or whatever), will serve as the Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Creative at the Air Force Academy.
Jefferson was crucial in the growth in national attention for, not only Pudge, George Carlson, and the football program, but all BGSU athletics. Pudge and his protection were featured everywhere across the world from ESPN, Good Morning America, CNN, People Magazine, Barstool Sports, The Athletic and many more. From heads on stick, to Pudge Parties, to t-shirt sales, to NIL deals, to public appearances. Pudge has made a huge impact on this community and the country.
Jeremy Schapp, of ESPN, once asked Pudge's Security, "How did you get the role?" To which, the opportunistic Jefferson stated, "You dress for the job you want!" From there, Pudge Security was born. The idea spawned 'Pudge Security' shirts being sold at Falcon Outfitters and several Halloween doppelgangers.
Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics, Derek van der Merwe, stated "I am tremendously proud of Taylor. We are glad he answered the call to uphold the core values of integrity and service before self that the Air Force Academy demands. Any animals in Colorado will be lucky to have him." He continues, "He's okay at marketing too."
Before leaving his alma mater, Bowling Green State University, after eight years of service, Taylor Jefferson stated, "Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon. Ay Ziggy!"
You can see Pudge and his security at their final public appearance together at the Annual Bowling Green Holiday Parade on Sat., Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.
BG Hockey Postgame 11.15
Sunday, November 16
BG Hockey Postgame 11.14
Saturday, November 15
BG Football Press Conference vs Akron 11.13
Thursday, November 13
2025 11 11 HkyPresser
Tuesday, November 11