Pollo FC: How Austin FC's fearless leader came to be

Austin, Texas – If you've been to an Austin FC match or attended a pre-game at a brewery near Q2 Stadium, you've probably seen the rubber chicken clad in Verde and Black named Pollo FC. But how did the fearless leader of ATXFC's supporters' section come to be, and why are fans so obsessed with him?

Matthew McConaughey brings Pollo FC center stage at an Austin FC match.
Matthew McConaughey brings Pollo FC center stage at an Austin FC match.  © Collage: Courtesy of Tony "TFOPhotos" Fuentes

When even partial club owner Matthew McConaughey puts Pollo FC on a pedestal, you know the illustrious rubber chicken holds immeasurable value.

In just a year's time, Pollo FC has become synonymous with Austin FC's loud and proud supporters, showing up to every game and providing fans and players with a little dose of Verde magic just when they need it most.

But to fully admire the glorious green rubber chicken, one must know how it came to be the leader of all that is Verde.

National Women's Soccer League scores landmark media rights deal
Soccer National Women's Soccer League scores landmark media rights deal

That's where Pollo's founder and ATXFC supporter Trevor Blow comes into play.

"I started coming to the games from day one," Trevor told TAG24 NEWS. "As I [watched] the supporter culture grow and the environment around it, I just thought that we needed something fun and weird.

"I figured what embodies Austin better than a green rubber chicken name Pollo? So I bought one off Amazon [and] painted a kit on him, changed his mohawk color from red to black and Voilà – the legend was born."

Like many in Austin – whether they admit it or not – Trevor wasn't really into soccer "until the energy of Q2 got to me and converted me."

That's the effect the fortress that is Q2 Stadium has on people, and Pollo FC only elevates the footy magic in the Capital City.

The Pollo FC effect

Pollo FC always brings the Verde magic to Austin FC's home and away matches.
Pollo FC always brings the Verde magic to Austin FC's home and away matches.  © Collage: Courtesy of Tony "TFOPhotos" Fuentes

Like any dedicated supporter of Austin FC, Pollo FC doesn't miss a match – regardless of whether it's home or away.

Fans who have had the pleasure of interacting with the legendary rubber chicken know its importance to the supporters section. So much so, that Pollo is now synonymous with ATXFC's loud and proud supporters, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

When you see Pollo in the Supporters Section or the upper balcony at an away match, you know the vibes are electric.

US women's soccer team gets new head coach in record deal
Soccer US women's soccer team gets new head coach in record deal

Take the D.C. United match, where Pollo FC was taken by stadium security when Austin FC fans rolled into Audi Field for "failing to be registered as a special supporter's exempt item because it's an inflatable." Down by two goals with 10 minutes of regulation left to play, security returned ATXFC's fearless leader to the upper balcony, where he was greeted with chants of "Pollo Libre!"

Within minutes of making his triumphant return, Austin FC scored its first goal. Moments later, the Verde struck gold again to tie things up. Then, in the 89th minute, the Verde went in for the kill and left DC victorious with a final score of 3-2.

Was this shocking plot twist that ended in a Verde victory done at the hands of the legend that is Pollo FC? The world may never know for sure, but if you're asking Austin FC fans, the answer is undoubtedly "yes."

Austin FC fans show their Pollo love

Pollo FC is more than just a local legend – he's family to the supporters of ATXFC.
Pollo FC is more than just a local legend – he's family to the supporters of ATXFC.  © Collage: Courtesy of Tony "TFOPhotos" Fuentes

It took one simple call-out on Twitter to fully feel the unwavering love and respect Austin FC's supporters have for Pollo, with numerous fans chiming in to give their two cents about their unrivaled leader.

One account, appropriately titled the Pollo FC Stan account, said, "He means EVERYTHING to me! He is my Messiah and I'm his disciple. I yearn for his teachings about fútbol and life. There is only one Pollo and I'll follow him to [the] end of the world."

Twitter user and ATXFC fan Barrett Deitz noted he has "nothing but love for my president," in reference to the green poultry.

The president of Austin Anthem Tony Cardone dubbed Pollo as "merciful and omnipotent," while Javi Pereyra of La Murga de Austin simply stated the unrefutable fact that "Pollo is everything!"

There's no disagreement amongst fans about the mere fact that Pollo is love and Pollo is life.

The only question that remains is whether the now-infamous rubber chicken can give ATXFC the push they need to return to the top of the charts with his fearlessness and utter dedication to the Verde cause.

Cover photo: Collage: Courtesy of Tony "TFOPhotos" Fuentes

More on Soccer: