Young-Williams Animal Center and East Tennessee will have an adorable athlete representing them in the 2020 Puppy Bowl... but he's not the only one celebrating.
Paprika, a chihuahua/toy fox terrier mix, was chosen as one of the back-up pups to make the trip to New York this year for the big game. He will be one of a few dozen animals melting hearts on the gridiron for Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XVI at 3 p.m. ET on February 2.
Young-Williams created a trading card for Paprika. It lists his favorite show ("Dog TV"), his weight ("Rude") and other qualities. He's the only Young-Williams pup competing in the Super Bowl this year, but he's not the only one with a trading card.
Other trading cards show off a big group of adoptable pups: Bowser, Bailey, and Dozer. Bowser's lists his naughtiest habit: "Stealing Cheese." It also lists his best friend: "Need One."
Each of the other three dogs are up for adoption... and there's many more like them at Young-Williams.
Paprika was specially chosen as one of Puppy Bowl five pups with special needs to compete for the Chewy "Lombarky" trophy on "Team Ruff." His life wasn't always so lucky, though. As the lone surviving puppy in his litter, he was found wandering near a busy intersection with his mom.
The pup was taken to Young-Williams, and they soon learned he was deaf. Paprika was still very lively and lovable, though, so they knew he was a shoe-in for the position.
In past years, all of the animals that have participated found loving forever homes. Paprika is no different -- he's found a home already with a family in New York.
This year's event is slated to be the biggest game in Puppy Bowl History, with more than 61 animal shelters in 25 states filling out two team rosters with 96 adoptable puppies. The event features all sorts of action -- from slo-mo replays and nose-to-nose action to puppy-kiss cams.