In all of my years of watching football, I’ve never seen a guy’s hair get so much attention in the media.
Since RB Larry Johnson saved a touchdown by tackling Steelers safety Troy Polamalu by his hair last Sunday, the topic of Polamalu’s locks has gone widespread.
Personally, I don’t get all the hoopla. The NFL is very clear on the rule: The player’s hair is an extension of his body and the uniform – therefore making it fair game. If the athlete wants to grow his air out, by all means, go for it. Just understand that it can be used at any time during a game to take you straight to the ground.
In all fairness, the guy with the least amount of complaint on the subject is Polamalu. Even when Johnson yanked back up on his hair after the tackle was already made (which he was flagged for), Polamalu didn’t cause a scene and returned to his sidelines. And in a comment after the game, Polamalu said it best when asked if Johnson (or anybody for that matter) tackling him by his mane bothered him:
“I’m glad it happened,” Polamalu said. “It means I’ve got the ball in my hands.”
