Editor’s note: This story contains spoilers for the season premiere of ‘The Masked Singer’ on FOX on Sept. 25, 2024.
DENVER (KDVR) — Who is that singing leaf sheep? What even is a leaf sheep — and why was two-time Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer John Elway dressed as one on national TV?
The Denver football legend was revealed during Wednesday’s season 12 premiere of “The Masked Singer,” where he had been disguised as a large, fluffy and smiley version of a sea slug. Elway was eliminated during the show, emerging from the back of an elaborate leaf sheep costume.
Elway, 64, spent his 16-year football career as a quarterback with the Denver Broncos, then spent over a decade following the team in various office positions and eventually serving as general manager.
Elway’s participation was teased by season 11 competitor DeMarcus Ware, a former Denver Broncos defensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Famer, who competed as a koala on the show earlier this year. Each singer on the show is introduced by a “masked ambassador,” or a previous celebrity who competed on the show and has a strong connection to the current contestant.
Ware described the leaf sheep as someone who he “ran in the same circles” as and was a “GOAT,” or greatest of all time. Another clue given to the judges was a quarter, and judge Robin Thicke guessed that meant a quarterback.
Leaf sheep are a species of sacoglossan sea slug. The shell-less creatures perform kleptoplasty, according to a 2009 article published in the National Library of Medicine, and are found on surrounding islands near Japan.
The former athlete emerged from the unorthodox costume, where he appeared to be driving a sort of cart under the mask and was asked by host Nick Cannon why he competed on “The Masked Singer.”
“That’s a good question; I’m not sure,” Elway laughed. “I was definitely not in my comfort zone doing this, but you know, I’m in retirement now and had the opportunity — took advantage of it.”
Judge Ken Jeong correctly guessed the football legend was under the mask, but many in the audience appeared shocked. Cannon asked Elway if he had anything to say to his fans after performing on the show.
“It’s great to be here, I had a great time, and I think all the grandkids are gonna be happy to see Poppy jump out of the leaf sheep,” Elway told Cannon.
