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DREADS The And The Dread-Nots

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 11, 2007

TAMPA - The NFL has done its best to curtail eccentric personalities, such as limiting touchdown celebrations that are better choreographed than a Justin Timberlake performance.

While players are highly discouraged from pulling a Sharpie out of their sock and autographing a football, there has been a growing trend to express one's self through different - and downright bizarre - hairstyles.

'Everyone likes to show their personality through their haircut. It shows a different side of them and shows they are living on the edge,' said Cornelius Horton, who owns Jus' Cuttin' Up barbershop in Tampa and cuts the hair of several Bucs players. 'It is an expression and a good way to get noticed.

'You may not know a person's name, but you can say, 'Look at that No. 39 with the dreadlocks running down the field for a touchdown.' Your hairstyle gives you an identity.'

St. Louis running back Steven Jackson is by far the most popular dreadlock-scoring offensive player, following in the footsteps of Ricky Williams, the NFL's most famous Rastafarian. Other players successfully sporting dreadlocks or braids are Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch (somewhat intimidating), Green Bay defensive back Al Harris (dreads down his back) and Bucs guard Davin Joseph (Bob Marley starter kit).

Not everyone has long locks similar to Oakland offensive lineman Robert Gallery. Bucs receiver Michael Clayton is part of a new mohawk movement, which is popular in the hip-hop culture.

'I think it's hot. A lot of people think it's hot,' Clayton said. 'I saw a write-up in the paper that said I rocked it well ... People look at the mohawk and think wild and crazy. I'm wild and crazy on the football field, but that's it.'

Bucs tight end Alex Smith is among the adventurous individuals whose hair is carved in different patterns. Horton, whose shop is on 2710 N. Florida Ave., usually spends 20 minutes once a week using Smith's head as his artistic canvas.

'Anytime you're rocking a mohawk, that's a different type of deal. I still think I'm semi-conservative,' Smith said. 'It's not what I normally do, but I wanted to spice it up a little bit. I like it.'

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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