After 30 years of attending Washington Redskins games wearing grandma dresses, wigs and pig snouts, the group known famously as the “Hogettes” will retire their act according to Redskins blogger Rich Tandler.
Michael Tolbert, known as “Boss Hogette” announced that the group will discontinue their act according to a post on their Facebook page.
“After 30 seasons, the Hogettes are hanging up our pig snouts & dresses. It has been an honor being a part of the greatest 12th Man fans in the NFL. We will forever be Redskins fans and cheer for our beloved team. It is a new era and we will continue to support RG3 and his teammates. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!!”
“We will also continue to help (incognito) raise money for Children’s Charities.
The history of the name “Hogettes” date back to the 1980’s when then Redskins Offensive Line Coach Joe Bugel, began to refer to his lineman as “Hogs” for their grunting noises on the field in addition to their size. The “Hogs” on the offensive line are credited for guiding the Redskins to three Super Bowl victories in their four Super Bowl appearances in a 10-year period from 1982-1991.
The idea for the costumes can be traced back to a Halloween party in 1983 where Michael Tolbert wore one of his grandmother’s dresses. The costume turned out to be a great success, so Michael recruited a group of men who were tough enough to dress in drag in public.
The biggest contribution for the Hogettes came outside the RFK Stadium and FedEx Field however, as they have used their fame to help raise more than $100 million dollars for various charities, including Children’s Miracle Network, Ronald McDonald House and March of Dimes.
Michael Tolbert, Howard Churchill and Mike Gardner are inducted into the Hall of Fans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for being ultimate Redskins fans.
The Hogettes now join other notable 12th man fans like Fireman Ed who retired his act and Tim McKernan, also known as Barrel Man for the Denver Broncos who passed away in 2009; they all leave behind a bygone era of iconic 12th man fans who cheered on their teams for generations.
The time has come for other fans to honor those before them and step up to the plate.
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