Meet the Players: Starting Lineup & Pupularity Playoff Contenders

Introducing the Starting Line Up taking to the field this PUPPY BOWL XVIII! Before the big game, get to know more about these adoptable pups and the incredible shelters and rescues they represent.

Meet all the pawesome players going head to head as Team RUFF and Team FLUFF. Starting January 14, vote for your favorite pups from the Starting Line Up in the Pupularity Playoffs for a chance to win the title of "Most Pup-ular".

January 10, 2022

By: Puppy Bowl

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Photo By: Dogist

Moby, Team Ruff Captain

As a member of Team Ruff, this French bulldog comes from Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Moby’s cleft palate isn’t the only thing that sets him apart…it’s his intimidating stare that is sure to give him that edge over his opponents.

Dinozzo, Team Fluff Captain

As a member of Team Fluff, this basset hound/shih tzu mix comes from the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue in Deepwater, New Jersey. Dinozzo loves to hang out at the water bowl but--wham--he could come out of nowhere and score big.

Ridley, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, this border collie comes from the Green Dogs Unleashed organization in Troy Virginia. And even though Ridley is vision and hearing impaired, it doesn't slow him down. No way! He goes after exactly what his puppy heart wants.

Benny, Team Fluff

This Team Fluff member is a poodle comes from Bosley’s Place in Smyrna, Georgia. A birth defect left benny with only two working legs but that does not mean he’s intimidated by other pups. I can tell you that!

Pongo, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, this dalmatian comes from Green Dogs Unleashed of Virginia. Being hearing impaired means Pongo has a heightened sense of smell and a nose for toys. He won't hear of losing!

Birch, Team Fluff

As a member of Team Fluff, this chihuahua/toy fox terrier mix comes from Ninna’s Road to Rescue in Haughton, Louisiana. Birch is the smallest dog on the field but don’t let that fool you…there’s a lot of fire in this little belly!

Odell Barkham, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, this beagle/chow chow mix comes from Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton, Ohio. Odell Barkham was born to play this game. Not only is his namesake an NFL player, he has a signature move that works in his favor.

Wasabi, Team Fluff

A member of Team Fluff, this pup is a chihuahua/cocker spaniel mix. Wasabi comes from the Sato Project in New York City. He’s focused on team work making the dream work. Look forward to seeing what he's got in him!

Ted D Bear, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, this goldendoodle comes from Florida Little Dog Rescue in St. Cloud, Florida. Ted D. Bear knows how to have fun and has boundless energy.

Baxter, Team Fluff

As a member of Team Fluff, this spirited pug comes from the Florida Little Dog Rescue in St. Cloud, Florida. If Baxter transfers that love for roughhousing to the field, there’s no telling how many touchdowns he’ll score.

Hoku, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, Hoku is our first Hawaiian dog. How cool is that?! This American staffordshire terrier/catahoula leopard dog mix comes from the Maui Humane Society. Hoku is known to be an adventurous hiker—I bet she’s gonna be fierce on the field.

Nugget, Team Fluff

As a member of Team Fluff, this excitable Pembroke Welsh corgi comes from the Florida Little Dog Rescue in St. Cloud, Florida. Although he’s the chosen breed of the British Royals, that doesn’t mean he’s above getting in the mix of things on the field. Gonna keep an eye on Nugget for sure…

Maisie, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, this chihuahua/dachshund mix comes from Compassion Kind in St. Petersburg, Florida. Maisie was rescued from Hurricane Ida and that survivor instinct is what's needed to be a winner in this game.

Irwin, Team Fluff

As a member of Team Fluff, this pup is an interesting chihuahua/American pitbull terrier mix. Irwin comes from the Sato Project in New York City. This three legged pup was rescued in Puerto Rico and although he speaks Spanish, his teammates can definitely translate his smooth moves on the field.

Surf, Team Ruff

As a member of Team Ruff, this pup is an interesting mix of miniature American shepherd and poodle. He comes from Miami-Dade County Animal Services in Miami, Florida. Surf is an extrovert not to be overlooked!

Kirby, Team Fluff

As a member of Team Fluff, this Labrador retriever comes from America’s Vetdogs in Smithtown, NY before moving to Houston, Texas. He’s got quite the resume: he’s the Houston Texans’ service pup in-training. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the field.