SAN FRANCISCO — Spokane will be represented at Sunday’s Super Bowl when Taima leads the Seattle Seahawks onto the field at Levi’s Stadium.
The Augur hawk is owned by Dave and Robin Knutson, local falconers from Spokane. This will be Taima’s third Super Bowl appearance after more than 20 years of leading the Seahawks onto the field.
Taima appeared at the “Taste of the NFL” event in San Francisco, where he became the star of the show alongside Blue Thunder, the Seahawks drum line.
“I get nervous at every home game. Driving over the Cascade Mountains, all the way there and you never know. You never know how it’s going to go,” Knutson said.
Levi’s Stadium is the fourth stadium where Taima has flown. Knutson said the hawk needed time to adjust to the new surroundings.
Several Seahawks players make petting Taima part of their pregame routine.
“Even Sam Darnold, likes to come over and pet him. Riq Woolen, every single game at least once. The kickers,” Knutson said.
Former Seahawk Shaquem Griffin petted his old friend at the San Francisco event.
“It’s like a Buddah. A good luck charm. Pet him, look him in the eye, give me a bro hug, and out they go,” Knutson said.
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