A Longstanding Tradition Returns to Georgia Southern at Saturday’s Football Game

Freedom II to be introduced for first time

STATESBORO - Georgia Southern University will present the University's new bald eagle mascot, Freedom II, at Saturday's football game against Coastal Carolina University in Allen E. Paulson Stadium (6 p.m. kick).

"Georgia Southern University is thrilled to share Freedom II with our fans and supporters at this weekend's game," said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. "Having a live bald eagle at our athletic events has been a University tradition for many years. Continuing this tradition by introducing Freedom II, also our nation's symbol, at a game where we are honoring our service members, will be an incredible moment and an occasion remembered for years to come."

Freedom II was rescued in Maitland, Florida, where experts at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey determined the female Southern Bald Eagle had West Nile virus. This virus, which can often be fatal, damages the nervous system and produces a variety of symptoms.

At the time, she was less than a year old, weak and unable to sustain flight, and it was determined that impacts from the virus had caused extensive neurologic and nerve damage — ultimately impacting her vision. Once nurtured back to health, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service entrusted her care to the team at Georgia Southern University's Center for Wildlife Education.

Steve Hein, executive director of the University's Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, began working with Freedom II to assess her visual acuity. Her initial training consisted of trust-building exercises and behavior shaping. While progress was slow, he worked with her over the course of several years, hoping for improved vision so that one day she could become Freedom's successor and realize the goal of flying at Paulson Stadium. During this time, her vision sharpened and training intensified, but it remained uncertain if she could successfully follow Freedom's path.

Freedom II underwent a re-evaluation of her vision in April 2025. Tests showed that, surprisingly, the damage to the optic nerves had mended, and she was cleared for flight! With renewed excitement, her training is underway with the hope that, in time, she will soar over Eagle Nation.

In keeping with the mission of the Wildlife Center, the next phase of Freedom II's training will be to place her on public display at the center on the Statesboro Campus.

"I appreciate all of the love and support I have received over the past months and the chance to honor both a legacy and tradition," said Hein. "I feel very fortunate to be back in the game and hope to earn a starting position in the months ahead."

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