If you’ve been watching the NFL and found yourself cheering more for the guy in the bull suit than the guy with the ball, you’re not alone. The man behind Toro—the Houston Texans’ wildly popular mascot—is Andrew Johnson, and he’s not just an entertainer. He’s a family man, a man of faith, and right now, a nominee for the Mascot Hall of Fame. And here at CCM Magazine, we think it’s time our readers rally behind one of our own.

I’ve known Andrew for over 20 years. We met at a Christian music festival in Smithville, Missouri and even back then, he was a performer, already leaving an impression that would last for decades. So when I saw he was up for the Mascot Hall of Fame, I knew we had to talk. We had to tell this story—and we had to get our community involved.

“This is our year,” Andrew told me. “We’re hoping to be the fourth NFL mascot in the Mascot Hall of Fame.” That’s right—only three other NFL mascots have been inducted: the Chiefs’ wolf, the Jaguars’ feline, and the Colts’ blue horse. Toro’s time has come. Voting is open through May 24 at MascotHallofFame.com, and you can vote once every 24 hours.

Toro isn’t just a costume. This is a full-time, year-round calling for Andrew, who leads a two-person department and pulls off some of the most jaw-dropping stunts in entertainment. Whether he’s launching himself across a stadium, coordinating around Beyoncé’s halftime rig, or rehearsing death-defying drops from the rafters, Andrew’s commitment is serious. “They’re just as scary as they look,” he admitted. “Every single time I get up there, I’m just as nervous as you think you would be.”

What makes the story even more powerful is where it all began. “I was in the fifth grade, and the mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs came to my school,” Andrew said. “At the end of the assembly, he let a kid try on the costume. And that kid was me. That was the moment of inspiration that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” That kind of calling is something I think many of us can relate to—when God drops a moment in your lap that shifts your whole future.

Andrew chased that calling with grit and faith. From high school mascot to college scholarships, to the Royals, the Chiefs, the Dallas Stars, and now ten seasons with the Texans, it’s been a grind. He’s worked NHL games, soccer matches, minor league events—and often with three different costumes in the backseat of his car. “It was super fun. No two days were ever the same.”

Despite the demanding schedule—over 500 appearances last year alone—Andrew remains deeply rooted in faith and family. “God comes first. My spouse, my kids, and then my job,” he told me. “It’s a tough balance, but you just have to make sure you keep your priorities straight.” Married since 2019 and a dad to two little ones. “I was doing an event and I think she (Andrew’s daughter) was like one and a half or two, and she was terrified…It was a weird feeling being her dad and her being scared of me. So I take the costume off and then had to explain to her. She loved putting costumes on. And so I explain to her that this is just what daddy does. I’m just putting on a costume like you do. And ever since that point, she’s understood what it is and she’s not scared. And she loves Toro.”

His favorite part of the job? Reaching kids. “Growing up, I was bullied,” he said. “I probably shouldn’t have been so vocal about wanting to be a professional mascot.” But now, he’s taken that pain and turned it into purpose. His anti-bullying school program, Toro Takes the BULL Out of Bullying, reaches thousands of students across Houston. “It’s kind of full circle—being able to bring the Texans to kids who may never get to attend a game and hopefully creating the next generation of fans.” In addition to his appearances , “TORO” released a children’s book this past season called Made to Be a Mascot, a fun and uplifting story that encourages kids to celebrate their unique purpose.

Andrew’s life as Toro has also intersected with some of CCM’s favorite artists. “I actually pitched an anthem a few years ago. Tauren Wells was in Houston working at Lakewood Church. I was like, ‘He’s here, we’ve got to ask him!’ He ended up coming out and singing the anthem.” And the connection didn’t stop there. “We crossed paths with Forrest Frank… My kids love his music. I love when they’re in the car singing his songs—they’ve got such a good message.”

From Forrest Frank to Simone Biles, Thunder Rosa to President George H.W. Bush, Toro’s world is one of faith, fun, and influence. And yeah—he made his professional wrestling debut. Because of course he did. “That was a no-brainer,” he laughed.

Andrew Johnson is more than a mascot. He’s a champion of joy. He’s living proof that God can use even the the most unique callings to change lives.

Now it’s time to return the favor. Head to MascotHallofFame.com and vote every day until May 24. We are fully endorsing our friend Toro to get the recognition he deserves. Let’s get one of our own into the Hall of Fame. We’re in good company with Ryan Trahan, one of our family’s favorite YouTubers, giving his full endorsement as well.

To see more of my conversation with Andrew—including stories that didn’t make it in here—watch the full interview now on CCM Magazine’s YouTube Channel.

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