The Masked Singer's First Season 12 Celebrity Reveal Is a Total Touchdown

You won't believe which legendary former NFL football star was behind the Leaf Sheep costume after being eliminated during The Masked Singer's season 12 premiere on Sept. 25.

By Brett M Malec Sep 26, 2024 1:06 AMTags
Watch: ‘The Masked Singer’s’ Most Shocking Reveals That Made Fans' Jaws Drop

We never thought we'd see this sports star transform into a sea slug.

Leaf Sheep—which just so happens to be a real and very adorable aquatic animal—was revealed to be a NFL legend during The Masked Singer's season 12 premiere.

Fellow footballer DeMarcus Ware, who competed as Koala on the Fox singing competition show's 11th season, introduced Leaf Sheep during the Sept. 25 episode by calling the anonymous celebrity the G.O.A.T.—a.k.a. the greatest of all time. But when it came for Leaf Sheep to tease his real identity, the retired athlete couldn't help but address his extremely unusual undersea costume first and foremost.

"I know, you're very confused right now," he told fans in a video package. "And so was I until about three days ago. But the leaf sheep is a real thing. Look it up."

Plus, the star noted his costume is actually fitting now that he's no longer on quarterback duties.

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"Now these days, I'm a little sluggish, but you should have seen me in my prime," he continued. "I made a total splash, scored headlines, topped the country's charts, even revived a franchise. Now, I'm here to keep the good times rolling."

Leaf Sheep's pre-package video included clues like a quarter—which judge Robin Thicke immediately clocked as a quarterback reference—and a seahorse wearing a cowboy hat.

However, Leaf Sheep's cover of Tim McGraw's "I Like It, I Love It" landed him in the bottom and he was sent home first.

Michael Becker/FOX/Hahn Lionel/ABACA/Shutterstock

As for the judges' guesses, Robin guessed Dallas Cowboys alum Troy Aikman while Jenny McCarthy picked Tom Brady and Rita Ora guessed Billy Bob Thornton. But Ken Jeong was the only one to correctly choose former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.

"It was definitely not my comfort zone doing this," the 64-year-old shared after his elimination, "but I’m in retirement now. I had the opportunity and took advantage of it."

In fact, the NFL star did it all for the next generation.

"I had a great time," he added. "I think all the grandkids are gonna be happy to see Pappy jump out of the Leaf Sheep."

Keep reading to meet the other mystery celebs who are going on to compete next week. The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.

Leaf Sheep: Eliminated Week 1

Leaf Sheep (which happens to be an actual sea animal) was revealed to be NFL Hall of Fame legend John Elway, who was sent home first.

Showbird: Eliminated Week 2

The celebrity behind the colorful Showbird costume? Community alum Yvette Nicole Brown.

Woodpecker: Eliminated Week 3

Modern Family alum Marsai Martin flew away from the competition after it was revealed she was Woodpecker.

Ship: Eliminated Week 3

During week three's double elimination, singer Paula Cole, who was behind the Ship costume, was also eliminated.

Dust Bunny: Eliminated Week 4

The man behind the pink, furry costume was comedian and actor Andy Richter, who left the competition during the Oct. 16 episode.

Chess Piece: Eliminated Week 5

The Emmy-winning actress behind the Chess Piece costume was none other than Orange Is the New Black alum and E! host Laverne Cox.

Bluebell: Eliminated Week 6

Bluebell was none other than Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, who topped the charts in 1997 with her iconic cover of "Torn."

Macaron: Eliminated Week 7

Pro surfer Bethany Hamilton was unmasked as Macaron during the Nov. 13 episode.

Ice King: Eliminated Week 8

After being eliminated during Miley Cyrus Night, Ice King was unmasked as former Nickelodeon child star Drake Bell.

Royal Knight: Eliminated Week 9

One Tree Hill alum Jana Kramer was revealed to be the singer behind the Royal Knight costume during Peanuts Night on Thanksgiving.

Sherlock Hound: Eliminated Week 9

The mystery behind the identity of Sherlock Hound was solved when Bronson Arroyo was unmasked in a double elimination on Peanuts Night.

Goo: Eliminated Week 10

Goo was unmasked to be Los Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner.

Strawberry Shortcake: Eliminated Week 11

Strawberry Shortcake just fell, well, short from making it to the season finale when she was eliminated during the semi-finals. The star behind the mask? Former Disney star and half of Aly & AJ AJ Michalka!

Wasp: Eliminated Week 12

Despite having made it all the way to the grand finale, Wasp came in second place to Buffalos on season 12. As for the singer behind the buzzy costume, it was none other than Mario.

Buffalos: Winners

And the winners of season 12 are...Buffalos! Boys II Men's Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanyá Morris took home The Masked Singer trophy.

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