The legend of SharkDog: Why Scooby Wright III is thriving in the USFL

By Jason Bolton June 16, 2022 11:23

Philip Anthony "Scooby" Wright III is a national treasure. We must protect him at all costs. Kidding aside, Scooby Wright III is truly one of football’s most entertaining figures.

The 27-year-old linebacker is a delight to watch on the field and an even more likable goofball off of it. He’s the type of guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously and is just an overall fun guy to be around inside the locker room.

The legend of Scooby Wright III is genuinely one fun ride. The Fan Arch athlete first burst onto the scene as a standout freshman for the University of Arizona Wildcats. He was named All-American in 2014 and won the Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Chuck Bednarik Award as a sophomore.

Back in high school, he played a dual role as a linebacker and running back. Scooby Wright III was even a standout shot putter on the track & field team! Talk about being a multi-dimensional athlete.

After three seasons of collegiate football, he applied for the 2016 NFL Draft and caught the fancy of the Cleveland Browns, who selected him 250th overall in the seventh round. Lack of opportunities haunted Scooby Wright III’s almost three-year stint in the big leagues, spending time in the practice squads of Browns, Cardinals, and Patriots.

When his foray into the pros didn’t pan out, Scooby Wright III kept his head up and stayed the course. He resurrected his career with the XFL and the Spring league in 2020.

But perhaps Scooby Wright III’s biggest break came when he signed with the Birmingham Stallions in the United States Football League (USFL). He even won Defensive Player of the Week in week 4 with six tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss.

😤 @TwoStarScoob already making plays for his defense 💪

📺: @FOXSports, @NBCSports & @PeacockTV

(via @USFLStallions)pic.twitter.com/TyV7sqOARz
— USFL (@USFL) April 17, 2022

While his handiwork on the field was truly admirable, it’s his affable character that truly endeared him to USFL fans. In a game against the Tampa Bay Bandits, Scooby Wright III came up with a rather unique on-field celebration he labeled “The Shark Dog”.

Say what? Scooby Wright III hilariously revealed that the Shark-Dog hybrid is his spirit animal.

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A post shared by Scooby Wright (@seventhroundscoob)

Thus, the legend of “Shark-Dawg” was born. Are you a fan of Scooby Wright III? FanArch has a treat for you! Check out FanArch’s amazing Scooby Wright III collection featuring amazing designs of everyone’s favorite spirit animal, SharkDawg!

Customize your hoodies, shirts, tank tops, and even jogger pants with any color of your choosing.

The Stallions, meanwhile, have been a well-oiled machine since fielding Scooby Wright III in the line-up. Don’t let the outgoing personality fool you, Scooby Wright III is a savage and is pure business each time he steps into the gridiron.

Now relieved of the massive pressure that comes with playing in the NFL, Scooby Wright III can simply be himself and enjoy the game he loves.

The man eats and breathes football, and he’s always going to have a blast one way or another. Forget Kawhi Leonard. Scooby Wright III is the true “Fun Guy”.

Scooby Wright III, along with 700+ professional athletes and influencers, all have personalized merchandise available on the Fan Arch’s website!

Fan Arch aims to transcend the narrative by making it easier to bridge the gap between athletes, influencers, and their fans. Check out our creative and personalized collection through Fanarch.com.