Beloved Puppy Bowl Star Teigan Tragically Passed Away Before Broadcast
In a heartbreaking twist to this year’s Puppy Bowl XXII, one of the most popular four-legged competitors, Teigan, passed away months before her moment in the spotlight aired on television.
The miniature Australian Shepherd, known for her joyful spirit and courage in the face of adversity, captured hearts around the world as a special-needs participant on Team Fluff. The Puppy Bowl event, which is traditionally broadcast as lighthearted entertainment ahead of the Super Bowl, became bittersweet for fans once the news of her passing emerged.
A Life of Resilience and Joy
Teigan was cared for by Perfect Imperfections Rescue in Connecticut, a sanctuary dedicated to helping animals with medical and physical challenges. Born with cerebellar hypoplasia—a neurological condition that affects coordination—and a severely curved spine, Teigan relied on a custom-made wheelchair to get around. Despite these challenges, she approached life with unbridled enthusiasm and playfulness.
Her disability did not prevent her from becoming a standout participant in Puppy Bowl XXII. Teigan’s appearance with her wheelchair quickly went viral on social media, drawing praise from viewers for her determination and joy on the field.
The Tragic Passing
According to her rescue, Teigan battled pneumonia on multiple occasions. After an initial recovery early in her life, she contracted the illness again. This time, her young body was unable to fight it off, and she passed away in October 2025, several months before the Puppy Bowl episode aired on television. Her death was confirmed by Perfect Imperfections Rescue on October 23, shortly after filming concluded.
“It will be bittersweet to see her on TV,” the sanctuary wrote in a message to supporters following her passing. Teigan’s rescue and care team said she had brought immeasurable joy to everyone around her and used her Puppy Bowl appearance as a way to raise awareness about the beauty and worth of special-needs dogs.
A Bittersweet Legacy
Teigan was one of 15 special-needs dogs featured in this year’s Puppy Bowl, which included a total of 150 rescue dogs. Team Fluff went on to win the matchup with a final score of 73–69, while another pup, Boba, was named Most Valuable Pup.
While audiences enjoyed the adorable antics and competitive play on Super Bowl Sunday, few knew that Teigan—whose appearance was one of the most memorable moments of the broadcast—was no longer alive to see the worldwide love and admiration she inspired.
Her story has since become a reminder of both the fragility and the profound impact of rescue animals. Teigan’s spirit lives on through the awareness and love she brought to fans of the Puppy Bowl and to everyone she met.