Beloved 2026 Puppy Bowl Winner Dies

This is one way of finding out that the Puppy Bowl is pre-taped.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Puppy Bowl, it’s an annual event on Animal Planet that features two sides of Puppies playing against each other in a game meant to mimic the Super Bowl.

At this year’s event, one puppy stole the show: Teigan.

Teigan stole the hearts of many viewers due to the fact that she was handicapped and used a dog wheelchair.

However, now it’s been reported that the beloved puppy died before the event was aired.

The New York Post provided further context on Teigan’s death:

Puppy Bowl XXII competitor Teigan died – three months before the Super Bowl warm-up event aired on screens across the nation.

Teigan, part of the victorious Team Fluff, died in October after becoming severely ill with pneumonia, the Connecticut animal sanctuary Perfect Imperfections Rescue said.

She died before the Lombarky Trophy showdown aired Sunday.

“It will be bittersweet to [see] her on TV,” the sanctuary said in a Facebook post.

“For those who don’t know, Teigan and I spent a day at the rescue taping a segment about Teigan, her condition and her receiving her custom cart made by K9karts.

“A few weeks after we had the taping we traveled to NY and participated in the puppy bowl. It was such a fun experience.

“We meet so many incredible people from rescues all over the USA. Spending the day in a room full of puppies was an added bonus. Please tune in and help celebrate Teigan.

“She was such an incredible soul. I’m not sure I will ever get over losing her so soon.”

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Here are some clips of Teigan:

Teigan isn't afraid to give it her all! #PuppyBowl pic.twitter.com/TrZ2nJFWfK

— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) February 8, 2026

Teigan passed after her appearance on the Puppy Bowl, but this is a beautiful way to remember and experience her spirit. Special needs dogs are wonderful companions and worth saving and adopting. May she run free. https://t.co/7H1WHQJWtW

— Ted Cutezynski (@shrugdeaIer) February 9, 2026

REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE, TEIGAN!

I LOVE YOU https://t.co/Z04KcciepE pic.twitter.com/Ci1IthnbFH

— Fluffy (@mrfluff3h) February 9, 2026

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported the final results of the 2026 Puppy Bowl:

Team Fluff won the Lombarky Trophy in the 2026 Puppy Bowl, winning 73-69 over Team Ruff.

Team Fluff’s Twilight Barkle, a special needs dog with a protruding forehead from Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, scored the game’s final touchdown.

“Ruff-free” Dan Schachner presented the trophy to Meeko from Paws Across Pittsburgh, the Team Fluff captain.

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According to the New York Post, officials have only been tracking scores for the last seven years, meaning Team Fluff has a record of 5-4 against Team Ruff.