Appearance matters — well, sort of.
From a marketing standpoint, it’s a lot easier to stand out if you have a unique look. And from a physical angle, it’s important to feel good about how one looks. It can often be difficult for football players to stand out due to wearing helmets the vast majority of the time that they are televised, but a well-developed mop combined with proper care to the cranium can often change this.
Being unique and consistent with the look are likely the most important traits here. Plenty of players like New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and former Minnesota Vikings defensive back Antone Exum Jr. have messed with their hairdo in order to showcase a unique appearance — and if they aren’t already raking it in off advertising revenue, they probably should be.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 2017 Vikings All-Hair Team.
Alternate: LB Eric Kendricks
The former UCLA Bruin and current stud linebacker sports (pun intended) a very intriguing look. Kendricks combines length with curls, producing an appearance that is both clean and unique.
There aren’t many players in the NFL that can pull off this combination, but as Vikings fans have learned during the 2017 season, the former second-round pick is much more than just an average talent — whether that is on the field or on his head.
Second-Team: CB Trae Waynes
The narrative surrounding dreadlocks in the NFL has always been a rather intriguing subject. Some will argue that allowing one’s hair to flow out of the back of his helmet is a bad idea since it gives opposing players something extra to grab ahold of when attempting to make a tackle.
But Trae Waynes does not seem to mind. And given that he typically is the one making the tackles, who could honestly blame him?
Waynes seems be the anti-Richard Sherman. Instead of vocalizing his passion, the former Michigan State standout tends to let his play do the talking. And one could argue that the mop on his head reflects this approach — business in the front, party in the back.
First-Team: TE David Morgan
Was there ever a doubt which Viking would claim the top spot for the 2017 season?
As great as Kendricks and Waynes’ hairstyles are, second-year tight end David Morgan is the clear-cut winner. It’s not necessarily a unique or original appearance, but the locks on this developing stud could not be more on-point.
If Head & Shoulders hasn’t given him a call yet … well, that’s just a mistake they will have to live with. And if he never needs any help keeping that head garden in check, Morgan has direct access to All-Hair Team Hall-of-Famer Brian Robison.
PRE-BAG PRIMER
Due to time constraints, we have decided to combine my column and mailbag moving forward. Everything else will remain the same, however, so no worries on that front.
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ONE
Interesting thought here, Jayson.
I think it’s smart from a financial perspective. Most beloved players seem to be acutely aware of the fact that they can actually make more money as a “public figure” than as a football player, but it’s difficult to market yourself when the team isn’t playing well.
Sherman is probably the best example of a player who sells himself effectively to the public, in my opinion. He may be extremely polarizing, but he has the capacity to go to battle with just about anyone as far as arguments go.
Between the Seahawks playing well and Sherman dominating during over the past half-decade or so, I have to assume that the cornerback has probably earned his fair share of advertising revenue.
That said, I think players should enter the draft when they feel they are ready to play in the NFL. Attempting to control your destiny is never a great idea, in my opinion, and I think it would be the ultimate challenge to reboot the Cleveland Browns.
For me, if a player decides not to enter the draft because he is afraid of losing or failure at the professional level, I don’t want him anyway.
TWO
Going back to what I said about prospects entering the draft, I don’t think it really matters which team the Vikings play in the Divisional round. Coaches always say that players are better off worrying about what they can control than the opposition, and I completely agree with that sentiment.
I don’t see a team that can beat the Vikings right now if they continue to play well and stay focused. The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers scare me, but I would feel comfortable with either team coming to U.S. Bank Stadium with the ultimate prize in professional sports at stake.
THREE
Ed Brodmarkle
“The Cleveland Browns”
Excellent point here, Ed. In complete sincerity, however, I’m not certain that the Cleveland Browns will be a joke for very much longer, but I might be the only one on the planet who believes this.
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