All glory for TCU’s playoff run goes to the Hypnotoad

Frogs are known to have beguiling powers. Hypnotoad and rabid football fans make a perfect symbiotic partnership,” Matt Groening, creator of “Futurama” and “The Simpsons,” told The Los Angeles Times of the character’s newfound life among TCU fans. “Just to have the Hypnotoad — I’m very thankful.” Offensive lineman Steve Avila said that it’s always exciting to catch the Hypnotoad on TV or on fan merchandise, adding that his pervasiveness is “definitely something to be proud of.” While TCU players can’t help but get inspiration and look to reach new heights at merely the thought of the Hypnotoad, the figure’s use in the football world got Groening reflecting on the nadir that was his high school football career. “Futurama” showrunner and executive producer David X. Cohen believes there’s only one obvious reason why TCU fans have become enamored with Hypnotoad. “I’d say the most likely explanation for the phenomenon is that Hypnotoad was directly responsible for the team’s outperformance this year, and TCU fans rightfully recognized that,” Cohen said.