Here’s how Twitter wished a happy birthday to our fave gremlin, Gritty

It’s hard to believe that Gritty has been in our lives for only one short year.

The chaotic, orange figure burst onto the scene last September and was initially — briefly — hated by the city at large (it’s what we’re good at, OK?). But as soon as outside forces started to make fun, Philadelphians embraced the mascot as their own.

Sleep with one eye open tonight, bird. pic.twitter.com/wLmGBa0Oyh

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) September 24, 2018

Since then, Gritty’s appeared on late night television, on Good Morning America, and even had his own panel at our 2019 Philly Tech Week.

In just one year, he’s become just as much a part of this city as cheesesteaks, the Rocky steps or Ben freakin’ Franklin. We don’t make the rules.

On the eve of his birth, Grit posted a reminder to celebrate him — a very Libra move, if we do say so ourselves.

‘Twas the night before
National Gritty Day pic.twitter.com/ITrIgErcmd

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) September 23, 2019

In a surprise to no one, Twitter was pouring out so much love Tuesday that Gritty’s birthday became a Moment. Here’s what social media had to say to our beloved gremlin.

Happy first birthday to our dark orange lord, spirit of Philadelphia, destroyer of worlds, mascot of the Flyers and champion of the people, @GrittyNHL. pic.twitter.com/NE4eiXSHsF

— mikey (@mikeyil) September 24, 2019

Gritty burst into our lives and our hearts one year ago today.

We’ve been googly-eyed for him ever since.

Happy “birthday,” @GrittyNHL! pic.twitter.com/lbZYaQZqU2

— Pennsylvania (@PennsylvaniaGov) September 24, 2019

Gritty and I are both Libras. This makes so much sense. https://t.co/EvZjhgqpj1

— Grace Helbig (@gracehelbig) September 24, 2019

A year ago I watched Philadelphians express confusion & ridicule which, over the course of hours, gave way to pride, respect & a profound allegiance. Happy birthday you beautiful creature. @GrittyNHL pic.twitter.com/JZ1FDDHnoB

— Kristen Fitch (@switchfitch) September 24, 2019

Just ran into Gritty…

He wants everyone to know it’s HIS day! Rightfully so. Philly hasn’t been the same since he walked into our lives.
Happy Birthday, @GrittyNHL! 🧡 🎂 pic.twitter.com/HgjUiG5dgX

— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) September 24, 2019

UPDATE: A year on, it appears that @GrittyNHL is chill, actually. VICE regrets the error.

Happy birthday, king. https://t.co/qt3y6PthYF

— VICE (@VICE) September 24, 2019

Happy first birthday to the greatest mascot in sports, @GrittyNHL 🎂

Drop your favorite Gritty gif/moment below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Oz1zAttRzA

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 24, 2019

In case you didn’t think I was taking Gritty’s birthday seriously pic.twitter.com/hfYuEFipKt

— Ian Petrie (@icpetrie) September 24, 2019

There have been two perfect internet days, in my estimation. One was 30-50 feral hogs. The other was the birth of Gritty. Happy birthday https://t.co/AoUuIkgZnk

— ✨ Dr. Ruby 🏒💖🏳️‍🌈 (@bardownforwhat) September 24, 2019

We love you, Grit. HBD.