Team Fluff's Smoosh Steals Spotlight At The 2025 Puppy Bowl And Everyone Is Saying The Same Thing

When it comes to cuteness and unpredictability, the Puppy Bowl never disappoints as audiences all over the country tune in with excitement. This year's starting lineup featured an adorable Pekingese from Florida named Smoosh on Team Fluff. With a name to describe his face, Smoosh unsurprisingly made the list of the cutest dog names appearing in Puppy Bowl 2025. The canine gained the attention – and sympathy – of viewers within the first few minutes of the game. Fans quickly began sharing their thoughts on social media after his opponents seemed to target him following an initial play.

One of Smoosh's main offenders was Team Ruff's third overall pick, Enrique, a winsome and jolly miniature pinscher mix from Puerto Rico by way of New York. The other was Callen, a miniature pinscher and boxer mix from California. Enrique returned the opening kick, but just as he crossed the 30-yard line, Smoosh forced a fumble. Team Fluff fans cheered, unaware that this unexpected play would later get Team Ruff a bit worked up and leave Smoosh in a difficult position — twice.

Enrique regained possession of the toy moments after Smoosh forced it out of his mouth, only for his sister, Rita, to do what young siblings do: She stole the toy and confidently trotted past the 20-yard line, as if to say, "In your face, bro!" The betrayal left Enrique fired up, and he vented his frustration by barking at the dogs nearby, including Smoosh.

Pekingeses are known to be moderately friendly with other dogs and somewhat energetic, but after the fumble with Enrique, Smoosh was eventually forced into a subdued, almost restful state. As Enrique unleashed bark after squeaky bark in Smoosh's face, the Pekingese laid down in surrender, lowering his head with sad eyes. After Enrique ended his barking fit and walked away, Smoosh rose back to his feet like a champ and grumbled at the incident. However, his decision to find a new place on the field to lie down seconds later proved he wasn't quite over Enrique's outburst just yet.

One viewer was taken with the Pekingese before the game even began and stated on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I would go to the ends of the earth for Smoosh." Another user called the pup "my MVP right now." Needless to say, the Smoosh fan club was growing.

Shortly after his second moment of reflection, Smoosh remembered that he and his teammates had a game to win, so he got to his feet once again and made his way down the field. He ended up next to another member of Team Ruff, Callen. Despite minding his own business, Smoosh managed to grab the Ruff's attention, causing Callen to abandon his toy and pancake block the oblivious Pekingese. Smoosh managed to escape, only to be pinned once again.

The move left watchers wondering why Smoosh was being bullied by his opponents. "Why are they so mean to Smoosh!!" one viewer posted on X in all caps. Alice, a Chihuahua mix from Florida, came and pawed at him a couple of times while he remained on his back, as if to make sure he wasn't injured. Thankfully, he wasn't and was only "playing possum."

Smoosh's "playing possum" technique is underway 👏 #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/tJNIXPZ9tC

— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 9, 2025

Other members of Smoosh's fan club posted their praise for the puppy on Florida Little Dog Rescue's Facebook page (the page of the shelter that cared for him). One said "Love Smoosh!!" while another called him "adorable" (unsurprising, as Pekingese rank high on the list of the cutest small dog breeds in the world). A third fan asked if it would be possible to adopt the dog. Luckily, Smoosh and the other participants at Puppy Bowl XXI already found their forever homes. Hopefully Smoosh is living his best life with his new family now – without the need to play possum.