Blitz is carrying the torch and the tee as he follows in Cowboy Kohl’s pawprints
Blitz doesn’t wear a jersey or shoulder pads, but when he sprints across the Blue after a kickoff, he receives one of the loudest ovations in Albertsons Stadium.
The black lab has been Boise State’s tee dog since 2021, igniting Bronco Nation with his speed, confidence and energy.
For fans, Blitz is more than a halftime attraction. He’s a game day tradition, a reminder of the connection between the team and the community and a source of joy that rivals even the biggest touchdowns.
Blitz’s story began long before his first run at Albertsons Stadium. His mother, Callie, was paired with Cowboy Kohl — Boise State’s former tee dog — for her final litter. She only had one puppy, a rarity for labs, and that pup was Blitz. With all of his mother’s milk to himself, Blitz grew bigger than both of his parents, reaching about 78 pounds compared to Callie’s 55 and Kohl’s 65.
That family connection ties Blitz directly to the legacy of his father, Cowboy Kohl, a fan favorite who once brought that same excitement to Bronco football games.
Britta Closson, HR manager at Positive Pets and Kohl’s handler during his time with the Broncos, said she sees a lot of similarities between the two.
“They both have that same ‘let’s go get it’ attitude,” Closson said. “It shines through when you watch them. His movements and the way he retrieves are 100% like his dad. The first time I saw Blitz, I just bawled and cried.”
Closson added that if Kohl could see Blitz today, he’d be proud of what the younger dog has become. “He’d be most proud of the simple things — that Blitz is having fun out there, that he’s carrying on the tradition and that he’s following in his footsteps.”
Before stepping into his role as Boise State’s tee dog, Blitz honed his skills on the baseball field. During the summer, he served as the Boise Hawks’ bat dog, running out after every at-bat at Memorial Stadium. The smaller crowds gave him the chance to get used to loud environments and unpredictable moments, preparing him for the challenge of running in front of 35,000 football fans.
Now, Blitz stays busy, spending his summers at Memorial Stadium and transitioning to the roar of Albertsons Stadium as fall rolls around.
“When the crowd gets really amped up, he feeds off that energy,” said his owner, Devin Martin. “He understands moments when to bark and when to stay quiet, but that’s just his way of clapping and cheering.”
Ayla Garner, Blitz’s lead trainer at Positive Pets, said that confidence is what makes him stand out.
“It’s one thing to do it at a practice field, but in front of 35,000 people, that’s a different challenge,” she said. “Blitz just has the energy for it. He thrives on it.”
Boise State students also recognize the spark Blitz adds to game day, too. Senior Tereso Barrios compared the roar for Blitz to some big-time plays last year.
“Every time I see Blitz on the Jumbotron or on the field, the energy from the crowd correlates with some big runs that came from Jeanty, especially against Wazzu,” said Barrios.
While fans know Blitz for his tee runs and bat retrievals, his impact stretches beyond sports.
He’s a certified therapy dog with the Go Team Therapy Dogs program, a nonprofit organization made up of volunteer teams that provide comfort and support in hospitals, nursing homes, airports and in crisis situations. Each certified dog passes an AKC Good Canine Citizenship test and specialized training, continuing a mission that began during the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs.
With the program, Blitz consistently finds himself in schools and community spaces, visiting preschools, meeting with kids and even participating in a variety of trainings.
“He has a heart of gold,” Garner said. “Whether it’s on the field or with kids, he connects with people in a way that’s really special.”
At home, Blitz’s energy doesn’t slow down. Martin describes him as always ready for an adventure, from hiking to diving for toys underwater to curling up with the family.
“Blitz is awesome. Of course, he has lots of energy, but he is also very affectionate and is good with my kids, my wife and even our chickens we have back home,” Martin said. “He’s just a good boy across the board.”
For Martin, Blitz’s loving demeanor serves as a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate life.
“My favorite thing about him is when anytime I feel off in the morning, Blitz is there to provide that motivation to start the day,” he said. “Blitz is always there for support and encouragement, representing a dog’s unconditional love.”
To fans, Blitz represents something larger than himself.
“These dogs have become a part of the team,” Closson said. “People love watching them, and it brings a certain kind of energy to the games that you can’t get from anything else.”
That bond is what makes Blitz’s runs so special — a mix of family legacy, fan connection and unconditional joy. Boise State is one of only a handful of universities in the country with a tee dog, making Blitz’s role unique on the college football stage.
He may not score touchdowns, but every time Blitz dashes onto the field, he adds something unforgettable to the Boise State experience. On gameday, the players may carry the ball, but Blitz carries the tees.
