PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It's safe to say that Gritty has taken 2018 by storm in the few months he has graced us with his presence.
His influence rose to celebrity status almost overnight since the somewhat-haunting creature threw himself into our lives and our hearts back in September.
Gritty gained the largest following of any other sports mascot on social media in less than a week. He has proved time and again that he is not a force to be reckoned with, knocking over rival team's merch, trolling costumed Grittys on Halloween, or swinging from the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center.
His wit and grit landed him on just about every late night talk show within his first week on the town, and he even influenced a handful of other Philly organizations to rebrand and brainstorm their own unique mascots, or create their own foodie spin on the orange monster.
Gritty quickly became beloved in the City of Brotherly Love due to his downright sass, his vigilance over all things Philly, and, frankly, his IDGAF attitude.
Take a look back at the city's newly beloved monster.
Best of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 1
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 2
Eric Hartline/USA Today SportsBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 3
Eric Hartline/USA Today SportsBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 4
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 5
John Geliebter/USA Today SportsBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 6
Drew Hallowell/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 7
Elsa/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 8
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 9
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 10
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesBest of 2018: Gritty takes Philly by storm 11
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images



