The last seconds of the 2023 NBA final ends with the Denver Nuggets play-by-play announcer, Koz, shouting into his headset, “The 47-year wait is over!! The Denver Nuggets stand on top of the NBA world! They are champions!!”
An absolute cloud of confetti explodes into the air. Players, coaches, family, and fans rush the court. The more than 19,000 spectators at Ball Arena are on their feet. On the court, in the middle of the chaos, is the Nuggets super-mascot, Rocky.
Kenn Solomon has been the spark, the genius, the athlete that is Rocky for 30 of the Nuggets' 47 years. This NBA championship win will be the last game where he stands in front of the Nuggets faithful. He says it himself, “You couldn’t write a better ending than this.”
After retiring in 2021, Solomon was asked to return for the 2023 championship run after injuries sidelined the current mascot.
His history with the organization is a combination of myth and legend. Extreme stunts, ridiculous trick shots, and over-the-top crowd and player interactions kept Solomon in the spotlight during his three decades with the Nuggets.
Solomon’s first appearance with the Nuggets was on December 15, 1990. After famously cold calling the organization, he was brought in to hype up the crowd, participate in events, and be the friendly, furry public-facing representative of the team.
What he accomplished is so much more. In an interview with Littleton City Lifestyle, Solomon discusses his ties to our community, his current projects, the influence of faith, and the next steps for a born performer.
TIES TO LITTLETON
For years, families attending Powell Middle School would notice a nearby home with a carnival-worthy, bright yellow slide connected to the house. Solomon says, “My first Littleton home was custom-built on top of a hill where I could see all the way to Denver. I had designed it for kids with an industrial-grade, yellow slide attached to the deck and an in-ground trampoline.”
Solomon originally lived in Littleton in 1995. He moved back in 2010 after living in Parker and Aurora because Littleton always felt like home and he knew Littleton was where his kids wanted to attend high school.
He explains, “When I moved back in 2010, I chose a house near Heritage High School so my boys could have a gathering place for them and their friends. That home had a lot of character. We had a teak wood fountain, a hot tub, outdoor living space, vegetable garden, all of which were built by my boys and me. I built a theater room in the basement that became a gathering place for family and friends. And during wrestling season, half of the basement was a genuine wrestling mat. I had a costume room where I could store and build props for the season.”
As part of his job, Solomon drove a branded “Rocky Mobile” to events as well as to games. He recalls, “My Ridge Road house had a long driveway where I thought I could hide my Rocky Mobile, but often people would knock on the door and ask for Rocky or ask for an autograph. I would tell a little white lie and respond with, ‘I’m just his driver’.”
CURRENT PROJECTS
Solomon has spent his career creating connections so it makes sense that he is now involved in a multitude of projects that involve public interactions and serving the community. In addition to still performing as a mascot for several different organizations, Solomon is also stepping into more personal projects where his face and experiences are front and center. He currently hosts a Podcast, Between the Fur, will be releasing a book he co-authored, and is a sought-after public speaker
Regarding the upcoming book release, he says, “My book is a combination of life lessons, mental health, the balance of my career and family, and the challenges and rewards associated with achieving greatness. One idea I share in my book is this: when you feel like you’ve reached the end and have nothing left, ‘just run.’ Don’t pause or overthink it. Take action, any action, and momentum will create opportunity. It’s a mindset I’ve carried into both my daily life and my career. I was born with the attitude of what if I can instead of what if I can’t.”
Solomon began his career in public speaking when he retired after the 2023 Championship. “My message is to pursue your dreams, even when you’re surrounded by negativity. I talk about the ‘masks’ we all wear, and how learning to take them off can lead to real healing and stronger mental health. I share stories of perfecting my craft, what inspired me to chase such a unique career, and memorable interactions with players like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. I also dive into milestones like achieving my half-court shot and pulling off unforgettable stunts.”
INFLUENCE OF FAITH
Like many high achievers, Solomon struggled under the pressure and expectations that went along with his public role. As he faced those challenges he says, “What helped me through my toughest times was my relationship with God. I’ve learned that I need to let go and let God. And whatever happens to me, good or bad, is for my own good.”
And there were tough times. Solomon looks back at some of the hardest saying, “I went through a divorce. I was arrested under false charges. I sank into depression and loneliness. Fortunately, I was able to keep my career, but no one really knew the turmoil going on behind the scenes. I learned the hard way what it was like to lose the light of Christ in my life. At my darkest hour, I dropped to my knees and asked for forgiveness. I decided to put my life in order and commit to first God, second my children, and third others. Life since hasn’t necessarily been easier, but my ability to navigate it and keep it in perspective has increased. I’m far from perfect, but it’s nice to be living in His light again.”
NEXT STEPS
Book release. Podcast. Mascot engagements. Time connecting with family. Supporting the community. All of these are what is next for Solomon. He says, “I enjoy being busy and having a lot of irons in the fire. That’s the way I’m built.”
For his lasting impact he says, “If I had to boil it down to one thing I would like to continue doing in five years, it would be public speaking. It’s a form of entertainment, and I was born an entertainer. But mostly, sharing and giving back is the ultimate reward. My goal is to help others navigate this crazy, wonderful world that is a blessing to each of us.”
Connect with Solomon at KennSolomon.com and @SuperKenn1