Skip to main content

Video: This dog has the absolute best job in sports

This dog loves football as much as we do

Move over Air Bud, there’s a new sweetheart of the sports world and his name is Ripken. The black Labrador retriever has gained popularity both locally and on social media as a bat dog and a tee retriever—and his newest viral TikTok has everyone hyped for football season. But you don’t have to be a football fan to love this good boy. Keep reading to get to know a bit about Ripken and watch some of his best plays.

Meet Ripken, the Bat Dog

Whether you’re a sports fan or a dog lover, you may already know this beloved TikTok pooch. Ripken (@RipkenTheBatDog) gained internet fame as the hardest-working pup in minor league baseball. He’s the Official Bat Dog for the Durham Bulls, where his job duties include fetching bats after hitters are done and generally being adorable. But now that baseball season is over, Ripken has turned his talents to another sport: college football.

Football season is here

@ripkenthebatdog

Are you Hype? I’m Hype too!! @pack_football @collegegameday @espn @GoPro @TODAY Show #win #hype #college #collegefootball #fyp #viral #getsome

♬ I Think I Like When It Rains – WILLIS

Now that fall has arrived, fans can spot Ripken collecting tees at North Carolina State football games. The six-year-old black lab comes from a family of dog football stars; his father, Cowboy Kohl, was a tee retriever at Boise State University. This is Ripken’s second season with the Wolfpack, and he’s only gaining popularity as a crowd favorite and social media star.

While his whole TikTok page is full of gems, one of his most recent videos has gone majorly viral with over 4.9 million views. Using a GoPro camera strapped to the pup’s back, the POV video gives viewers a unique view of what it’s like to be a working dog. The clip shows Ripken sitting and waiting patiently on the sideline for his big moment. After a quick pep talk and head pat from the coach, the pup finally gets to show off his skills. Amidst the cheers of a packed stadium, Ripken triumphantly retrieves the tee!

Everyone loves Ripken

NC State college football stadium

After watching that video, it’s clear why everyone adores Ripken. “Every dog’s dream. Fetch and gets cheered on. Hope he gets all the treats in the world,” comments @littlechaos0627. “I love hearing the crowd get so loud for Ripken 🥰 he deserves it!” says @brittneygardiner5. The creator even responded to say that the cheers make Ripken run faster. Even the students love the sports dog. @josh.haughton wrote, “as an NC State student, we cheer louder for him than anything else in the game.” Who wouldn’t?

Are you ready for some dog football? Ripken sure is! From fetching tees to hanging out with the players, this adorable pup truly has the best job in sports. He’s captivated the hearts of everyone online and turned us all into football fans. We think we speak for everyone when we say: with Ripken on the field, we’ll be tuning in all season long. (Now if only all of our favorite sports teams could get themselves a team dog.)

Editors' Recommendations

Headed to Super Bowl LVII? Here are the best deals, according to experts
Grab your flight to watch Super Bowl 2023 before prices get any higher
super bowl tickets lvii

The snacks are being planned, bets are being placed, and Phoenix is getting to host for the fourth time. That's right, the Super Bowl is here. Between the game and Rihanna making her comeback after a five-year hiatus to headline the halftime show, this year's Super Bowl LVII is going to be one of the most insane ones yet.

If you want to make the trip to Phoenix to watch the Eagles take on the Chiefs in person, you better get your butt moving. The longer you wait, the higher those plane ticket prices will get. But don't let that make you panic-buy the first ticket you find. We spoke to the experts at Skyscanner for the best Super Bowl flight deals.

Read more
The 8 best snowboarding movies and documentaries to add to your watch list
These are the best movies for snowboarding enthusiasts
best snowboarding movies and documentaries the 9 to add your 2021 watch list

Whether you're a thrill-seeker yourself or someone who just enjoys watching other people put their life on the line, we some good news. Thanks to the marvels of modern technology, action sports films have emerged as a safer alternative to actually doing the sports yourself. Whether you watch these movies for a little inspiration or to marvel at the people on screen, these movies should thrill you. 

Related Guides

Read more
The 6 best ski movies and documentaries of all time
Enjoy winter sports indoors: The best ski movies
ski downhill mountain

While many justifiably associate skiing with the winter, dedicated skiers know that you can do it all year round if you have the means to travel. When you don't have those means, though, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy a ski adventure from the comfort of your couch. Whatever kind of skiing you most enjoy doing or watching, there is a ski film out there that’ll tickle your fancy. Over the years, there have been a few that mixed comedy with the occasional top-to-bottom race. Others take a much more serious look at the sport. Whatever you're looking for, burn some skis, praise Ullr, and give Chione a kiss, and then settle in to watch one of these great ski movies.

Aspen Extreme (1993)

Read more