The Marquette's Golden Eagle mascot was revealed in 1994 following a change from “Warriors”.

In 2004, Marquette began to consider changing the name back to Warriors, and conducted a poll that showed strong alumni and student support for that nickname. However, the Board of Trustees rejected Warriors on the grounds that previous logos had been disrespectful to Native Americans, and changed the nickname to “Gold.” An intensely negative reaction by students, faculty, alumni, and fans led to a vote that restored “Golden Eagles” in June 2005.

Since the mascot had replaced the beloved “Warriors” name in 1994, the Golden Eagle mascot has often been derided as a monument to political correctness.

He is often derogatorily referred to as the “Chicken Hawk”.

The current Golden Eagle mascot is referred to as “Sam the Eagle” due to his remarkable resemblance to Sam the Eagle from the muppets.