Quick Facts
- Date: September 18, 2020
- Age: 12 (less than three weeks after his August 31, 2008 birthday)
- What happened: The University of Memphis announced that TOM III died at his compound after a brief illness; he was taken to the Memphis Zoo for an autopsy.
- Introduced: Press conference on November 17, 2008; formally presented at the November 22, 2008 UCF football game.
- Last game attended: December 7, 2019 — AAC Championship, Memphis 29–24 over Cincinnati, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
- Key figures and caretakers: Highland Hundred Tiger Guard; Scott Forman; UofM President M. David Rudd; Athletics Director Laird Veatch.
Main Story
On September 18, 2020, the University of Memphis announced the passing of TOM III, the Bengals tiger who served as the live mascot for the Tigers since 2008. The University said TOM III had been ill the week of his death and died at his compound that Friday morning before being transported to the Memphis Zoo for an autopsy. University leaders, including President M. David Rudd and Athletics Director Laird Veatch, praised TOM III as a dignified ambassador for the program and the city. His tenure began with a November 2008 introduction and spanned a celebrated era for Memphis football, including his final appearance at the Tigers’ AAC Championship win over Cincinnati on December 7, 2019.
The TOM tradition—named from a 1972 fan contest that chose “Tigers Of Memphis”—was sustained for decades by the Highland Hundred Tiger Guard without public funds. TOM III’s background and birthday were documented by Memphis Athletics, which also chronicled his role at campus and game‑day events that became touchstones for fans across the 901.
Legacy
With TOM III’s death, the University affirmed that the long‑running practice of bringing a live tiger to games would end. Days later, UofM announced a partnership with the Memphis Zoo: future TOMs would reside at the Zoo, with fans engaging via on‑site interpretation and digital viewing rather than in‑stadium appearances. The shift preserves a unique piece of Memphis history while aligning care with AZA‑accredited standards and keeping the spirit of Tiger pride visible from the Liberty Bowl to Beale Street. In the Bluff City, TOM III’s memory remains a symbol of community, continuity, and the traditions that bind Memphis together.
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