In order to dress up as Rowdy, Aaberg first dressed up as another cowboy at the University of Texas at Dallas, and four years ... to be the official Cowboys mascot.

Two stories Tuesday put perhaps the four most polarizing Cowboys ... maligned Rowdy and perhaps make him a bit more relatable to fans by sharing a few off-color tales from the mascot's past.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, former Dallas Cowboys mascot Eric Aaberg shared a behind-the-mask look at what it takes to suit up as the team's boots-wearing, chaps-sporting mascot, Rowdy.

I'm supposed to be the first person to wear 0 for the Dallas Cowboys,'" Overshown - known ... it was designated for the team's mascot, Rowdy. Overshown embraced the number 13, stating, "So ...