Tim Derk (The Original Spurs Coyote)

Tim Derk created and performed as the NBA Spurs Coyote for 21 years. His run as “Entertainus Carnivorous” began in 1983 during an era when sports mascots were still a rarity. Over his career, he entertained fans at more than 1,110 Spurs games and made more than 5,000 public appearances.

Derk based the Coyote character on physical comedy while incorporating stunts such as dunking through fire, hanging from the arena ceiling, and shooting three-pointers atop a six-foot unicycle–showcasing his all-around athletic ability. He often joked that “everything is harder with a tail,” a playful not to the challenges of performing in costume. Despite being created on a shoe-string budget, the costume design has remained largely unchanged for over four decades. The character’s oversized green eyes remain a fan favorite.

A stroke in 2004 brought Derk’s performing days to an end, but not his legacy. Just six months later, he was named Manager of Mascot Development by Spurs Sports & Entertainment. He retired in 2017 after 34 years and has five NBA Championship rings.

During his time as Coyote, Derk was credited with helping invent the t-shirt cannon. He later chronicled his experiences behind the mask and his journey as a stroke survivor in a book titled Hi Mom, Send Sheep.

The Coyote character was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2007 and Derk was later honored with an NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his decades of dedication, creativity and contributions, both on and off the court.