Gritty Hijacked The Lead with Jake Tapper

The Philadelphia Flyers mascot took over the news program during a comedic television appearance.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of the orange Philadelphia Flyers mascot mid-motion, capturing a playful and energetic media segment. — Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty disrupted a broadcast of The Lead with Jake Tapper on Tuesday in a lighthearted television appearance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty made a surprise appearance on The Lead with Jake Tapper on Tuesday. The mascot disrupted the broadcast by pelting the host with paper and altering the teleprompter.

Why it matters

The appearance highlights the unique cultural presence of the Flyers mascot in Philadelphia sports media. It precedes the team's upcoming schedule, offering a lighthearted moment for local fans before the season picks up.

The Philadelphia Flyers face the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are scheduled to host the Los Angeles Kings later that evening at 10 p.m. ET.

The players

Gritty

Gritty is the official mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers and is known for a chaotic, irreverent public persona.

Jake Tapper

Jake Tapper is a prominent television news anchor and correspondent who is a well-known fan of Philadelphia sports teams.

The details

During the segment, Gritty replaced the host's wardrobe with team jerseys and modified the studio teleprompter to display promotional text. The mascot also engaged in a prank by throwing crumpled paper balls at Jake Tapper, a noted Philadelphia native and sports enthusiast.

Gritty appeared on the program on September 29, 2026.
The Flyers play the Penguins on September 30, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This promotional appearance underscores the mascot's role in maintaining franchise visibility as the NHL season begins. It highlights the continued integration of sports entertainment into broader media landscapes beyond the rink.

Fans should note that the Flyers game against the Pittsburgh Penguins is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET start time. This primetime matchup will be the next major indicator of the team's early-season performance and roster chemistry.

The takeaway

Gritty continues to act as a primary driver of non-traditional media engagement for the Flyers organization. Viewers can expect similar personality-driven campaigns as the team prioritizes brand reach during the active hockey season.