Edible Pop-Tarts Mascot to be Sacrificed for Fans at 2026 NFL Draft

The 'Protein Slammin' Strawberry' mascot will be drafted by fans and then sacrificed at the event in Pittsburgh.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:26pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, depicting the chaotic scene as fans rip apart and consume the edible Pop-Tarts mascot at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.Fans eagerly await their chance to tear into the edible Pop-Tarts mascot, a tradition that has become a cultural phenomenon at major sporting events.Today in Pittsburgh

The lore of the edible Pop-Tarts mascot will continue at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. On April 24, the 'Protein Slammin' Strawberry' mascot will be drafted by fans and then sacrificed at 'Mount Heaven' for them to rip apart and enjoy. This continues the tradition of an edible mascot being sacrificed during college football's Bowl Season over the past few years.

Why it matters

The edible Pop-Tarts mascot sacrifice has become a cultural phenomenon for fans, and now they will get to be directly involved in the iconic tradition as it moves from the college football field to the NFL Draft stage in Pittsburgh.

The details

The Pop-Tarts mascot, 'Protein Slammin' Strawberry', will be drafted by fans at the NFL Draft on April 24 and then taken to 'Mount Heaven' at 3 PM ET at Nova Place – 100 S. Commons, where it will be sacrificed for fans to rip apart and eat. This continues the tradition that has occurred at the last three editions of the Pop-Tarts Bowl in college football, where an edible mascot was sacrificed, toasted, and eaten by the winning teams.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • On Friday, April 24 (Rounds 2-3 of the NFL Draft), the 'Protein Slammin' Strawberry' mascot will be drafted by fans.
  • At 3 PM ET on April 24, the mascot will be sacrificed for fans to rip apart and enjoy at 'Mount Heaven' at Nova Place – 100 S. Commons.

The players

Protein Slammin' Strawberry

The edible Pop-Tarts mascot that will be sacrificed for fans at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Leslie Serro

The vice president of marketing for Pop-Tarts, who stated that the edible mascot sacrifice has become a cultural phenomenon that they are now bringing to the NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Over the past three seasons, the Edible Mascot sacrifice has become a cultural phenomenon our fans look forward to every year. Now, we're giving them the chance to take a bite of the action as the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin' Strawberry mascot's journey — from Pop-Tarts Bowl to 'going pro' — comes to an end in Pittsburgh on April 24. For the first time, we're taking this iconic tradition from the football field to the people and inviting fans to be at the center of the Crazy Good chaos.”

— Leslie Serro, Vice President of Marketing, Pop-Tarts

What’s next

Fans will gather at 'Mount Heaven' at Nova Place – 100 S. Commons in Pittsburgh on April 24 at 3 PM ET to witness the sacrifice of the 'Protein Slammin' Strawberry' Pop-Tarts mascot.

The takeaway

The edible Pop-Tarts mascot sacrifice has become a beloved tradition for college football fans, and now the NFL Draft is embracing the chaotic and unique experience by bringing it to the professional level and allowing fans to be directly involved in the ritual for the first time.