Minnesota Vikings' Ragnar is just one of countless memorable mascots...

Such is the dearth of motorbike-riding, axe-wielding vikings with magnificent beards in the Midwest of the United State, the business-savvy mascot Ragnar has decided to take his unique skill-set into free agency.

The long-serving representative of the Minnesota Vikings is, as far as we know, the only real-life noble savage of his kind and, having left the NFL club due to a wage dispute, is available to join any sports club that can supply his $20,000 per match demands.

Image: Ragnar the Viking will no longer cheer on Minnesota from pitchside

Joe Juranitch, the mere mortal behind Ragnar's terrifying growl, has welcomed the Vikings onto the pitch since 1994 and was denied a 10-year deal worth $1.6 million. It isn't yet known how he will continue to finance the lavish lifestyle, and upkeep of his trademark Nordic costumes, that he has become accustomed to.

In honour of Ragnar, and perhaps to tempt him this side of the pond, Sky Sports looked at our favourite American sports mascots.

Racing sausages - Milwaukee Brewers

Image: Racing sausages may be the most bizarre American mascots

There is a bizarre cult, in the state of Wisconsin, where sausages race each other around a baseball pitch.

Advertisement

It began as a virtual cartoon on the big screen between innings of the Brewers' games and, through the 1990s, grew in popularity while crucially adding meaty contestants.

Bratwurst, Italian and Polish sausages began running to thrill baseball fans whose insatiable appetite for their favourite snack extended beyond actually eating it. As the race's popularity grew, Hot Dog and a sombrero-wearing Chorizo sausage were added.

Also See:

Meanwhile, there is a sideshow of a baseball game during interludes when the sausages refuel.

Gorilla - Phoenix Suns

Image: Why is there a gorilla in Arizona?

The scorching heat of Arizona isn't the ideal climate for a gorilla, so it will come as no surprise that the Suns acquired their mascot by fluke.

A singing telegram messenger, dressed as a gorilla, turned up to fulfil his duties only to be ushered onto the basketball court to entertain the crowd during half-time. Donning a Suns jacket, the jiving gorilla performed above and beyond his singing duties.

He has returned every match since, expanding his repertoire of unique entertainment to stand-up comedy routines targeting opponents' players and cities.

Captain Fear - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Image: Captain Fear crashed in Tampa Bay and has never left

On a particularly stormy night off the coast of Florida 15 years ago, a Caribbean pirate not dissimilar to Johnny Depp's famous character crashed his vessel and was thrown overboard. Or so says the myth.

Nevertheless, Captain Fear's damaged ship was docked permanently at Raymond James Stadium where he currently resides - coincidentally the home of a NFL side who required a new mascot.

By complete chance, the pirate wore red and black which matched the Buccs' kits and he has watched over their fortunes ever since.

The Famous Chicken - San Diego Padres

Image: The Famous Chicken pictured here at his most mischievious

Rarely is the charade of a mascot broken, but when the man at the heart of San Diego's feathered friend was threatened with eviction from his trademark suit, his fans broke character.

Ted Giannoulas, its original incumbent, was fired from his privileged position in the 1970s but the knowing fan-base at the subsequent San Diego Padres baseball match loudly heckled his replacement. Since then, he has been a regular at the Padres and, until they moved to Los Angeles, the Clippers.

The rebellious chicken, over the past few decades, has survived numerous lawsuits and even emerged unscathed from releasing a Rod Stewart cover song.

Timber Joey - Portland Timbers

Image: Will this catch on in England?

It's yet to catch on between Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger in the Premier League, but one Major League Soccer club celebrates every goal by chainsawing a tree.

How they evaded the health and safety regulations is unknown - and we are investigating why there's a tree at pitch-side, anyway - but the Portland Timbers have certainly invented a unique way of treating the hordes of outdoorsmen who watch the local football team.

Timber Joey demands respect for his craft - having completed his sawing, he'll show off his handiwork to a rapturous reception from the Portland crowd.

Outbrain