True. Furries represent themselves individually and can't speak for a group. Mascots are the opposite. Being a mascot isn't about having or being a character. It's about getting people pumped up to show their team pride where everyone can come together and have fun, but also representing your family, which comprises of both your team and your fans. The sport is the lifestyle, not the mascot. Not to mention it's taken very seriously and is very hard work because you can let a lot of people down, and that can relay to the team.
I've been both a mascot and a furry, and the mindset you have to be in is night and day. It's a lot of pressure but when you can get people pumped it's the best feeling.