He’s back.
For one night only, the Fabulous Cajun Chicken will grace Cajun fans with his presence as Louisiana takes on Marshall on February 4th inside the Cajundome.
The Fabulous Cajun Chicken was a mainstay in Cajun athletics for years, with his in-game comedy and timeout sketches keeping every fan laughing. Considering the game against the Thundering Herd is also Senior Night, it’s fitting for the Cajun Chicken to make his return after nearly 20 years away.
“When I heard it was senior night,” said Russell Heim, the Cajun Chicken, “I said, great, I’m a senior citizen now, so I thought it was nice to be honored like that.”
Heim made his debut as the Cajun Chicken inside the Blackham Coliseum in 1984 before moving to the Cajundome with the team two years later.
During his 20 years, the Cajun Chicken became a staple with unique sketches, sendups, and crazy antics, both on the end lines and in the stands. From impersonating celebrities to eavesdropping on opposing teams’ huddles, the Cajun Chicken did it all.
He was seen at many Cajun events, but basketball was always the top because of how interactive he could be with fans and opposing teams. “The best part of what I did was seeing the kids’ faces,” Heim said. “I don’t know how many people I’ve talked to over the years that told me how much their children loved watching the Chicken, and how much it added to the game for both the parents and the children. Now, those kids will have the chance to bring their own children to the game, and hopefully there will be some grandparents that remember the fun and will come out with their families.”
The Chicken, now 20+ years later, qualifies for Medicare and has had two knee replacements. The question becomes: Can the Fabulous Cajun Chicken do all the crazy things he used to do?
“I guess people will have to come and find out,” the Chicken said.