The football field has long been known as a place where men can be men – but it’s also a place where men can be a little bit… different.
In the past few years, we’ve seen more and more NFL players rocking the hairstyle that was once thought to be reserved for the hippie set: dreads.
But these aren’t your average dreads – these guys have taken their hair care regimen to the next level and are rocking some of the most impressive, most elaborate, and most amazing dreadlocks we’ve ever seen!
Here are 30 football players with dreads who know how to style their hair:
Table of Contents
Football Players With Dreads List
Dreadlocks are a hairstyle that is becoming more and more popular among football players.
Some people believe that they are not professional enough, while others think they are cool and help maintain discipline among players.
Regardless, here is a list of 30 football players who rock dreads:
1. Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch, aka “Beast Mode,” is a former running back for the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders.
Known as one of the most feared running backs in the NFL, Marshawn Lynch is a beast on the field. His dreads are just as intimidating.
Marshawn was born on 22 April 1986 in Oakland, California, U.S. He is one of the biggest names in the NFL today.
He’s known for his dreads and his unique playing style, which includes a variety of moves.
Marshawn Lynch has been playing football since he was nine years old and has been known for his dreads since he started.
Marshawn is one of the biggest players in the NFL and uses his size to his advantage on the field, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be fast when he needs to be!
His career achievements include:
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2008, 2011–2014)
- 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2013, 2014)
- Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (2006)
- Holiday Bowl Co-Offensive MVP (2006)
- Las Vegas Bowl MVP (2005)
2. Al Harris
Al Harris is a former NFL cornerback who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and St. Louis Rams.
He was born on 7 December 1974 in Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.
Harris was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL draft.
Al Harris’s dreads are well-known in the NFL, and he’s been known to sport them during games as well.
He had dreads throughout his career, and they were well-known to sports fans across the country. He has been described as one of the most feared corners in football history, and his dreads became part of his persona.
Harris’ dreads are one of his trademarks, along with his aggressive play style on the field.
He was named to two Pro Bowls in 2007 and 2008 and Second-team All-Pro in 2007.
Harris was inducted into The Packers Hall Of Fame on 2 September 2021.
3. Devin Hester
Devin Hester is one of the most famous football players with dreads. He played for the Chicago Bears and had a very successful career.
He was born on 4 November 1982 in Riviera Beach, Florida, U.S.
Hester was a kick returner and wide receiver, and his style of play was marked by the long dreads that he wore while on the field.
He was known as one of the fastest players in the NFL, which helped him get to every ball thrown at him.
Hester started growing his dreads while he was in college at Miami (F.L.), but they weren’t long enough to be braided until he joined the Chicago Bears in 2006. Since then, they’ve become one of his trademarks!
His dreads are so full and long that they have become a part of his signature look on the field.
As soon as you see him on the field, it’s not hard to tell that he has dreads. The hair hangs down just below his shoulder blades, almost covering them completely. In addition, they are very thick and full—they almost look like an afro!
He’s known for his speed and playmaking ability – he even holds the record for most punt return touchdowns in NFL history!
Hester achievements include being named three times First-team All-Pro in 2006, 2007, and 2010, four times Pro Bowl in 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2014, two times NFL kickoff return yards leader in 2013 and 2014, Second-team All-Pro in 2011, two times NFL punt return yards leader in 2006 and 2010, and three times NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year in 2006, 2007, and 2010.
4. Bob Sanders Colts
The Indianapolis Colts safety has been rocking his signature dreadlocks since he was a teenager. He’s known for his ability to make big plays at crucial times, and he’s been part of the Colts since 2004.
Not only is Bob Sanders one of the best safeties in NFL history, but he’s also one of the best-known deadheads.
Bob was born on 24 February 1981 in Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
He played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones and was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
Despite his coolest hairstyle, Bob is also one of the best football players. His achievements include:
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2005, 2007)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2005, 2007)
- 3× First-team All-Big Ten (2001–2003)
Bob Sanders has always been known as one of the best safeties in the game, but he also has one of the coolest hairstyles – a long dreadlocked mane that he’s had for a long time.
5. Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson is one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL. The most interesting thing about him isn’t his career stats, though – it’s his hair.
Jackson was born on 22 July 1983 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
He is the all-time leading rusher for the St. Louis Rams, and he also has dreads.
Jackson is currently a free agent and has played for three teams during his career: the St Louis Rams, the Atlanta Falcons, and the New England Patriots.
He has got a pretty impressive collection of dreads – they’re long enough to pull over his shoulder and make him look like an old-school warrior on the field.
Jackson is the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, having been named to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during his time with the Rams.
6. Mike Mckenzie
Mike McKenzie is a former cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. He has also played for the New Orleans Saints.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft.
McKenzie was born on 26 April 1976 in Miami, Florida, U.S. He played college football at the University of Memphis, where he was named First-team All-Conference USA.
He has long dreads that are often braided or pulled back into a ponytail, so they don’t get in his way while playing football.
McKenzie’s dreads are part of his identity – they’re one of the most recognizable things about him.
McKenzie is known for being aggressive in coverage and has been called one of the hardest workers on his team.
7. Larry Fitzgerald
If you thought dreads were just for rappers or singers, think again! Fitzgerald has some of the best dreads we’ve ever seen!
Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he’s also one of the most stylish. His dreads are a perfect example of that. He keeps them well-groomed!
Wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald, has been a force in the NFL since he was drafted in 2004.
He is one of the oldest players in NFL history to still be playing at a high level, and he’s done so with his signature dreads.
Fitzgerald has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection eleven times and NFL receiving touchdowns leader twice. But it’s not just his play that makes him stand out – it’s also his style.
In 2020, Fitzgerald became a minority owner of the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns.
8. Asante Samuel
When it comes to football players with dreads, there’s no one more iconic than Asante Samuel.
Asante Samuel is a retired professional football player who played for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons during his career.
Samuel was born on 6 January 1981 in Accra, Ghana. He grew up in Florida and attended Boyd H. Anderson High School.
Samuel has been rocking his dreadlocks since he was a kid.
He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2004.
Samuel was the First-team All-Pro in 2007 and Second-team All-Pro in 2009.
9. Atari Bigby
Atari Bigby is a former American football safety who played for the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Green Bay Packers.
He was born on 19 September 1981 in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica.
Bigby attended the University of Central Florida and was a member of their football team, where he started all 11 games and made 38 tackles.
He’s been in the league since 2005 and has been known as one of the hardest hitters in the game.
His dreads are long and thick, but they’re not too flashy – he keeps them tied up most of the time.
Bigby’s dreadlocks are notable; they have been described as “giant,” “long,” and “messy.”
10. Marion Barber
Marion Barber is a running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to his dreads, he is known for his physical playing style.
Marion was drafted by the Cowboys in 2005 and had many successful seasons with them before signing with the Chicago Bears in 2011.
He was born on 10 June 1983 in Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S.
Marion has dreads and played with passion, which is why he was one of the best running backs in the NFL.
11. Marcus Trufant
Marcus Trufant is a former National Football League cornerback who played with the Seattle Seahawks from 2003 to 2012.
He also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013 and 2014.
Marcus was born on 25 December 1980 in Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
Marcus Trufant was an amazing cornerback and had a great career. His dreads, however, were what made him stand out on the field.
He started wearing dreads in college at Washington State University, where he played safety for four seasons before being drafted into the NFL. The style has stayed with him since then!
Marcus Trufant’s dreadlocks were an integral part of his playing style. His ability to move in the secondary and make plays on the ball was a sight to behold, and we can’t imagine him without them.
His career achievements include:
- First-team All-Pro (2007)
- Pro Bowl (2007)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2003)
- Second-team All-American (2002)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2002)
12. Rashean Mathis
Rashean Mathis is one of the most famous players in the NFL. He played cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars and was known for his unique style, including his dreads.
He was born on 27 August 1980 in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Mathis played his college ball at Bethune-Cookman University and was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003, where he spent his entire career until 2012.
Mathis is best known for his blazing speed, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 88 kg.
He’s also known for his ability to cover wide receivers and tight ends, as well as quarterbacks.
Mathis has dreads that hang down just below his shoulders, which makes him stand out from other defensive backs with shorter hairstyles.
Hence, Mathis is known for his prowess as a cornerback, as well as his dreadlocks. The dreads were a part of Mathis’s identity on and off the field.
His achievements include:
- First-team All-Pro (2006)
- Pro Bowl (2006)
- Buck Buchanan Award (2002)
- MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (2002)
- 3× First-team All-MEAC (2000-2002)
- Div. I-AA All-American (2002)
13. Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James was a running back for the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks. He played college football at Miami, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame on 23 April 2009.
He was born on 1 August 1978 in Immokalee, Florida, U.S.
James was drafted fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft and was selected to four Pro Bowls. In 2006, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
He was best known for his dreads, which he wore during his playing career. While his dreads were most often worn in cornrows, James also had them in braids and as loose locks.
But James isn’t just about style – his playing style has made him an NFL legend as well. James was known for his speed and agility when playing on the field.
His career achievements include:
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1999)
- First-team All-Pro (1999)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2000, 2004)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2004, 2005)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1999, 2000)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL All-Rookie Team (1999)
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor
- First-team All-Big East (1998)
14. Laurence Maroney
Laurence Maroney was an All-American running back at the University of Minnesota.
He was born on 5 February 1985 in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Moroney was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2006 NFL Draft and played for them until 2010 when he signed with the Denver Broncos.
Maroney’s dreads are his signature look, but they’re also an important part of his playing style.
According to him, his dreads make him feel more relaxed and focused on the field – and he has no intention of cutting them off anytime soon!
Moroney’s career highlights include being named to the Pro Bowl in 2011, being named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Year (2003), Third-team All-American (2005), and 2 times First-team All-Big Ten (2004, 2005).
15. Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe is a retired NFL player who played wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.
He was born on 21 September 1984 in Miami, Florida, U.S.
Bowe has dreads and has been playing football since he was in high school. Bowe attended Louisiana State University, where he played as a wide receiver for two seasons before declaring for the NFL Draft after his sophomore year.
Dwayne Bowe’s dreads are as legendary as his career, and they’ve been a part of him since he was a kid.
Growing up in Louisiana, Bowe played football for his high school team, where he earned himself a spot on the all-star team and even scored a touchdown during his senior year—all while rocking his signature look.
Bowe’s career achievements include being named Second-team All-Pro (2010), Pro Bowl (2010), NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2010), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2007), and BCS national champion (2003).
16. Roddy White
Roddy White is a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Falcons, and he has been with them ever since.
He was born on 2 November 1981 in South Carolina, U.S.
Roddy played college football at the University of Alabama, where he was inducted into the UAB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
In his career, he has had over 10,000 receiving yards, making him one of the best players in NFL history.
Roddy also has dreadlocks that have become his trademark. He had them before he started playing professional football, but they became more noticeable when he was on the field.
Roddy White was one of the most respected wide receivers in the NFL from his time with the Atlanta Falcons until his retirement in 2017.
His career achievements include:
- First-team All-Pro (2010)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2008–2011)
- NFL receptions leader (2010)
- Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor
17. Dunta Robinson
Dunta Robinson has always been a bit of a rebel. The former defensive back for the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs was famous for his dreads while playing football.
He was born on 11 April 1982 in Athens, Georgia, U.S.
Dunta Robinson was a cornerback for the Houston Texans from 2004 to 2010. He was drafted by the Falcons on 5 March 2010 and played there until 2013, when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Robinson had a reputation as a hard hitter who liked to take risks – and that’s exactly what he did with his dreads.
His career achievements include being named PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2004 and PFWA All-Rookie Team (in 2004).
18. Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman is a retired American football cornerback who spent most of his career with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).
He was born on 23 February 1981 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Tillman played college football for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Tillman’s dreads are one of his defining characteristics on and off the field.
He had dreads throughout his career, which lasted from 2003 to 2016.
Tillman has been known for having great skills on the field.
He has shown that he can play both cornerback and safety effectively, making him one of the best defensive backs in NFL history.
Tillman had an impressive career with the Bears, earning two Pro Bowl appearances and being named First-team All-Pro in 2012, NFL forced fumbles leader in 2012), and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2013).
19. Adam Jones
Adam Jones is an American football player who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2005 and had been playing ever since.
He was born on 30 September 1983 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., and attended college at West Virginia University, where he played both football and basketball.
Despite his relatively short career, Jones is one of the most recognizable players on the Bengals’ roster. He has a great skill set and a unique playing style!
Jones also has long dreads that hang down over his shoulders, which makes him look like he should be playing for Motown Records instead of an NFL team.
His career achievements include:
- First-team All-Pro (2014)
- Pro Bowl (2015)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2005)
- First-team All-Big East (2004)
- Second-team All-Big East (2003)
20. Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League.
He was drafted by the Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft and played college football at South Carolina.
Sidney was born on 1 September 1986 in Gaffney, South Carolina, U.S.
He has been playing football since he was six years old, and his dreads are as much a part of his game as any other part of him.
Sidney has a lot of skills that make him dangerous on the field, but his dreadlocks are also something that people have noticed and talked about.
He has dreadlocks that go all the way down his back. His hair is jet black, and he wears it in braids or twists.
Sidney’s achievements include:
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- Second-team All-Pro (2009)
- Pro Bowl (2009)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2007)
21. Josh Cribbs
Joshua Cribbs is a retired American football wide receiver and return specialist who played for the Cleveland Browns from 2005 to 2012.
He has also played for the Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts.
Joshua Cribb was born on 9 June 1983 in Washington, D.C., U.S.
His dreads started to grow during his time at Kent State University, and he has had them ever since.
Cribbs’s dreads are very long and thick, with a few braids on either side of his head that hang down to his shoulders. His dreadlocks are tied up into a ponytail or sometimes left loose around his head, depending on how he wants them to look that day.
Cribbs is best known for his ability to run the ball and make plays on defense. He has been called one of the most exciting players in the league.
He was selected to the First-team All-Pro in 2009, Second-team All-Pro in 2007, 3 time Pro Bowl in 2007, 2009, and 2012, NFL kickoff return yards leader in 2007, NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, and Cleveland Browns Legends.
22. Brandon Meriweather
Brandon Meriweather is a safety for the Washington Redskins and the New England Patriots. He was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
He was born on 14 January 1984 in Apopka, Florida, U.S., and attended Apopka High School in Florida and played high school football.
Meriweather’s dreads are one of his trademarks, along with his play style.
Meriweather’s style of play was extremely aggressive and fearless. His hairstyle complemented this perfectly.
He was named two times to the Pro Bowl in 2009 and 2010 and two times first-team all-ACC in 2005 and 2006.
23. Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams was one of those players who could do it all. He was both a running back and a wide receiver, which made him the perfect player to have on your team if you were looking for someone who could move the ball down the field in either direction.
Williams has been playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars since the 2004 season. He’s a wide receiver who plays with fierce intensity, and he’s known for his ability to make big plays.
But that wasn’t his only talent. Reggie also had dreads – big ones!
His dreads are a unique part of his look and personality on the field – they’re wild, free-flowing, and unruly. And when they’re flying all over the place while he’s playing? Well… they’re even more intimidating!
Williams’s achievements include:
- Pac-10 Co-Freshman of the Year (2001)
- Consensus All-American (2002)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2002, 2003)
24. Bobby Sippio
Bobby Sippio is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for the Peoria Pirates after being signed in 2022.
He also played for the Dallas Desperados, Tampa Bay Storm, Chicago Rush, Kansas City Chiefs, Orlando Predators, Florida Tuskers, and Detroit Lions.
He was born on 4 December 1980 in Orlando, Florida. Bobby is remembered for his amazing playing style.
Sippio began his professional football career in 2002.
Sippio played for thirteen different teams in four different leagues during his professional career.
As a rookie, he appeared in 15 games for the Dallas Desperados and nine games for the Tampa Bay Storm.
He was famous for his dreadlocks, which he wore while playing football. He was also known for his hard-hitting style of play, which earned him a reputation as one of the toughest players in the NFL.
Bobby’s achievements include being named All-OVC in 1999, Division I-AA All-American in 2000, af2 Ironman of the Year in 2003, ArenaBowl champion (XX), and First-team All-Arena in 2007.
25. Andre Ellington
Andre Ellington is a running back for the Arizona Cardinals.
He was born on February 3, 1989, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, U.S.
He’s known for his ability to run, catch, and even throw the ball.
Andre Ellington is also known for his long dreadlocks, which he’s been growing since he was in high school.
His dreadlocks are very long and hang down below his shoulders; they are also thick enough that they cover his ears completely.
Ellington played college football at Clemson University and was drafted by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
He has also played for the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ellington’s achievements include being named to the First-team All-ACC in 2012 and Second-team All-ACC in 2010 and 2011.
26. Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams was one of the first NFL players to sport dreads, and his influence has led many other players to follow suit.
Ricky was born on May 21, 1977, in San Diego, California, U.S.
He is a former NFL player who played as a running back for the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and Baltimore Ravens.
Ricky also played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
He attended the University of Texas, where he played for the Texas Longhorns football team.
After college, Ricky was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1999 and made his professional debut during their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
The former Miami Dolphins and Texas Longhorns are known for their creativity, dedication to their craft, and willingness to speak out about social issues.
William’s achievements include being named the NFL rushing yards leader in 2002, AP College Football Player of the Year, and The Sporting News Player of the Year in 1998. He also won the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, and Maxwell Award, all in 1998.
27. Daren Bates
Daren Bates is a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders.
He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 27, 1990.
Bates attended Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tennessee, from his freshman to junior years. Bates was a two-time first-team Tennessee All-State safety during his time there.
In 2016, he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and then signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2017.
Bates has also played for the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons.
28. Takkarist McKinley
Takkarist McKinley is a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons.
McKinley was born on November 2, 1995, in Oakland, California, U.S.
He is one of the many NFL players who have embraced their dreadlocks as a way to stand out on the field and off.
He got them in high school, and they’ve been an important part of his identity ever since.
McKinley was drafted by the team in 2017 and played for them till 2020. McKinley has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Los Angeles Rams.
He signed with the Dallas Cowboys on November 16, 2022.
29. Josh Norman
Josh Norman is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League.
He was born on December 15, 1987, in Greenwood, South Carolina, U.S.
He played college football at Coastal Carolina University, where he was named a third-time All-American.
The Carolina Panthers selected him in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
After being drafted by the Panthers, he played for them for five years before he signed with the Washington Redskins in 2016.
He has also played for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
Norman’s achievements include being named to the First-team All-Pro in 2015, Pro Bowl in 2015, First-team FCS All-American in 2011, and First-team All-Big South three times (2009 – 2011).
30. Janoris Jenkins
Janoris Jenkins is an American football cornerback, and he’s got serious dreadlocks to match his swagger.
Jenkins was born on October 29, 1988, in Pahokee, Florida, U.S.
He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and has also played for the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers.
He is known for his dreadlocked hair and his aggressive style on the field.
Jenkins’s achievements include being named to the Second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl in 2016, PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2012, First-team All-SEC in 2010, and BCS national champion in 2008.
In addition to these accomplishments on the field, he’s also a huge fan of dreadlocks and has been wearing them since high school.
His dreads are one of his most recognizable features – and they’re also one of his best assets when it comes to tackling opposing players!
His dreads are long and thick, and he’s had them for years. They’re normally pulled back in a ponytail, but when he’s on the field, they’re loose and wild.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 30 football players with dreads.
Dreads are a great way to express your individuality, and we’re glad that these players have found a way to do so while still being respectful of the sport they love.
Regardless of the dreads, all these players have one thing in common: their passion for the game of football.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own hairstyle or just want to learn more about some of your favorite athletes’ looks, we hope this article has given you some new ideas!
Check out these related articles about NBA players with dreads and and basketball players with long hair rocking the field.
Do you have any favorite players with dreads? Let us know in the comments!