Texas announced Friday that Longhorns mascot Bevo XIV has passed away after this week's diagnosis of Bovine Leukemia Virus.
"Bevo XIV was so much more than a traditional mascot -- he was so big and strong, but he had such a sweet personality and a gentle soul," Ricky Brennes, Bevo's "regular traveling partner," said in a statement. "He loved the attention that came with being Bevo but was very cool, calm and smart. Like a dog he would come when called by name, show up to the house looking for treats and even roll over on his side so [caretaker] Mrs. [Betty] Baker could rub his belly. He did so much for his university and community. His last few days provided great memories, but we miss him already."
Bevo XIV took over as mascot in 2004 at the age of two and was present for many of the Longhorns' most famous victories, including the 2006 Rose Bowl win over USC to claim Mack Brown's first and only BCS championship.
Bevo XIV -- whose give name was "Sunrise Studly" -- was given an initial diagnosis of bovine leukemia last week and was retired immediately following Texas's upset win over Oklahoma in the Red River rivalry game last Saturday.
Per the announcement, a search for the next Bevo is already underway.
