Corgi that dodged tackles at Panthers halftime to highlight Charlotte rescues

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Quinn, the corgi who dodged tackles during a halftime corgi race at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, is now partnering with Lucky One to highlight rescue dogs in Charlotte.

The Panthers fell to the Broncos Sunday, but the big highlight came during the halftime corgi race, organized by the Charlotte Corgi Club. Quinn, who is 1½ years old, went rogue. Her owner, Ireland Marie Gilgan, said she saw Quinn run away from the finish line and then saw people trying to get her dog back on track.

“I just saw a bunch of people chasing Quinn, and it was just a very nerve-wracking experience,” Gilgan said.

The 25-pound corgi dodged multiple tackles, putting on a show for the crowd that erupted in cheers, before being caught.

“I wasn’t sure at first if it was for Quinn until I saw a couple of the missed tackles, and then I realized that the crowd was roaring for Quinn. It was crazy,” Gilgan said.

The moment went viral online, with many people creating memes and showing support for the little sprinter.

Trip to New York

Gilgan, who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, says she also received a call to appear on a national morning show in New York. The trip allowed Quinn to take her first flight ever.

“Within a few hours, we were on a plane to New York and even landing at LaGuardia Airport, people were waiting outside of the gate to take photos with Quinn. So it was a really fun experience,” Gilgan said.

Helping rescues

Gilgan said the attention has turned into a great purpose. Quinn is partnering with Lucky One, a canned Vodka Lemonade and Sweet Tea brand, to highlight rescues in Charlotte.

“Oh, it’s amazing. We are such dog lovers in this family. So when I found out that Quinn could do something a little bit to help, I just love the idea,” Gilgan said.

Quinn’s first order of business is to draft a class of adoptable dogs in Charlotte. Lucky One will cover the adoption fees of each new member of the first Lucky One Draft Class, according to a news release by the company.

Asked whether Quinn knows she has become a star, Gilgan said her family jokes about it.

“Oh yes. She holds up her head a little higher,” Gilgan said.

Gilgan said she also plans to put Quinn in another corgi race soon.

“I love the Charlotte Corgi Club. I’m sure Quinn would love to do another race. Hopefully this time she’ll run towards that finish line and get Mom a trophy,” Gilgan said.