'The Masked Singer': Season 12 kicks off, Leaf Sheep revealed as sports legend

Leaf sheep says goodbye to 'The Masked Singer'

Leaf sheep was the first to be unmasked on Wednesday night's season premiere of "The Masked Singer."

LOS ANGELES - On Wednesday’s Season 12 premiere of "The Masked Singer," a new batch of contestants entered the competition to battle it out, once again, for the coveted title and trophy.

Nick Cannon has returned as host along with panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora.

While Leaf Sheep sang his heart out to "I like it, I love it" by Tim McGraw, he would ultimately be forced to "take it off," be revealed, and be sent home.

For the first time ever on the series, each singer was introduced by a "Masked Ambassador" – a previous celebrity of "The Masked Singer" who has a strong connection to the current contestant.

Leaf Sheep performs in the season premiere of "The Masked Singer" airing Wednesday, Sep. 25. (Credit: Michael Becker, FOX Media)

DeMarcus Ware, who performed as the Koala in Season 11, described Leaf Sheep as a person who he "ran in the same circles" with and was a "GOAT." Ware was a football player for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. An additional clue was a quarter, which Thicke guessed could mean "quarterback."

And the clues were certainly sufficient – especially for panelist Jeong, who guessed correctly.

Leaf Sheep sent home on ‘The Masked Singer’

Leaf Sheep was revealed as two-time Super Bowl champion John Elway, who spent his entire 16-year career with the Denver Broncos.

The 64-year-old told the audience he wasn’t sure why he signed up for the competition show.

"That was definitely not my comfort zone doing this, but I had the opportunity and took advantage of it," Elway shared.

Thicke shared that he was a huge fan, adding, "We’re honored to have you here."

Elway continued, "I had a great time, and I think all the grandkids are going to be happy to see poppy jump out of the Leaf Sheep."

Next week on ‘The Masked Singer’

Next week, the Group A singers will get on their dancing shoes and compete on Footloose Night, which will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic film.

Thicke will also open the evening with a showstopping rendition of Kenny Loggins’ "Footloose."

New this season, clues will be everywhere and hidden in all-new places: strategically embedded in costumes, in song choices and during on-stage moments.

Exclusive costume reveal for Season 12 of 'The Masked Singer'

The new season of the "The Masked Singer" will kick off on Sept. 25 and feature Strawberry Shortcake. (Credit: FOX Entertainment)

Season 12 will also, once again, feature new special theme nights, paying tribute to Mattel’s Barbie and pop star Miley Cyrus. Other new themes will include "Sports Night," "60s Night," and a first-of-its-kind "Who Are You Fest," featuring music from memorable festival lineups.

In addition, fans will also see the return of other popular themes such as "Soundtrack of My Life" and "Thanksgiving Night."

Watch "The Masked Singer" every Wednesday night on FOX. Fans can also catch up on previous episodes of "The Masked Singer" on Hulu, FOX.com, Tubi and On Demand.