Despite his on-field presence at Purdue sporting events, Pete is only an athletic mascot of the university.

[1] In the summer of 1940, Robert “Doc” Epple borrowed $10,000 from his father to invest as part owner of the University Bookstore.

He was the idea of Jan Winger, Purdue's administrative assistant of athletic public relations, who was inspired by Nebraska's Lil' Red.

The current head utilizes a fiberglass frame, but is much smaller and lighter than previous designs, as it is made primarily of a composite.

[7] The newest head of Pete was designed and created by students in the Aeronautical Engineering Technology department.

Former Purdue Pete actor and 2008 graduate John Langenkamp criticized the full body suit for being potentially very uncomfortable, and being too drastic a visual change from the previous design.

The redesign plans for Purdue Pete involve no jersey, a full body suit rather than just a head, and no hammer.

At the spring 2011 Black & Gold game, despite a 67-yard field goal by junior Carson Wiggs, the loudest fan reaction was to boo the redesigned mascot.

[3] Although the football outfit is his main clothing style, he can wear other things for special appearances, such as a tuxedo at a banquet to welcome the at-the-time new president of Purdue, France A. Córdova.

[3] Hundreds of people try out to be Purdue Pete, but only the four most qualified students are chosen in order to distribute the time and effort required.

[3] In order to keep the role of Purdue Pete, students have to pass drug tests and physicals and must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.