The football player nickname "Mule" always kinda bugged me. Never thought about why. Just did. Then it dawned on me "Mule" has a negative connotation to it. I've never heard anybody held in high esteem called "Mule".

In the work environment I've heard workers called "Mule". It's a worker who's not smart enough for advancement, but can take orders, and physically capable to get the work done.

The writers choice "Mule" seemed odd for a beloved football hero.

To work like a mule is a compliment. Mules will outwork a horse so that is a good thing.

I was looking up the origins of "eat like a horse". Wondering why not "eat like a mule" instead.

Mule was a football player, and evidently also a baseball player. He did it all. He also owned a beauty parlor. Unknown if June frequented the place.