Top 5 NFL Manes

In a league where everyone wears the same colored uniforms and the same gear, it is hard to stand out. 

Players have made attempts with gloves or sweatbands on their arms. Some put visors on their helmets to protect their eyes or simply to make a fashion statement. While these change from player to player, the only distinct difference is a player's number.

Except for those who have decided to grow out their hair. 

Some players like DeAngelo Williams have set themselves apart from the pack by growing out or styling their hair to stand out from the rest. While they risk getting tackled by their hair, many decide to keep the long locks anyways.

There is no doubt that long or distinct hair has always stood out in the NFL.

Here is a look at the top five haircuts in the NFL. 

Honorable Mention: Tom Brady

As a memorial for their past greatness, Tom Brady's locks have made the cut.

Already being knocked for being a "pretty boy," Tom Brady welcomed all of his critics by growing out his hair for the 2010 NFL season. There was quite a bit of hype made about this look.

Brady responded by becoming the first ever unanimous NFL MVP.

However, the hair didn't lead to a Super Bowl title and ended up cut to start the 2011 season.

5. Tiquan Underwood

New England Patriots wide receiver Tiquan Underwood is certainly not the most famous wideout in the league, but his hair has earned him some serious recognition.

Underwood is bringing his A-game with the "Christopher Reid in House Party" haircut. 

While it is mostly hidden away under his helmet, when he returns to the sidelines, he unleashes his pencil eraser haircut. Usually it has formed to the padding in his helmet after a few series, which makes it that much more entertaining.

If he weren't at the bottom of the Patriots' depth chart, he may get some more recognition, but until then his hair will have to be his claim to fame.

4. Domata Peko

Domata Peko is one of the core pieces to the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive line. 

He weighs in at an impressive 322 pounds and has terrorized his fair share of offensive linemen. Peko also happens to rock one of the most impressive haircuts in the NFL.

Peko's locks are naturally black, but he has been known to dye them a lovely reddish-orange color as seen in the attached picture. 

You would think that wearing a Cincinnati Bengals uniform would make you stand out enough—Peko has certainly taken it to the next level with that mane. 

3. Clay Matthews

As if the chiseled brow and gigantic biceps weren't enough for Packers linebacker Clay Matthews to get noticed, his flowing blond hair will do the trick.

Matthews has been one of the best playmakers at the outside linebacker position in the NFL. He has the speed and athleticism to catch running backs from behind or give quarterbacks weak knees when they see him exploding off the edge. 

His hair has just added to his image.

Matthews has the appearance of a prehistoric caveman. Matching that with explosive speed and incredible strength makes for a guy that I wouldn't want chasing me down. 

He is already a fan favorite in Green Bay and offenses will have to deal with those blond locks for years to come.

2. Rashean Mathis

Rashean Mathis is the owner of the longest dreadlocks in the NFL. 

His hair extends down almost to the middle of his back and has been in the faces of dozens of opposing wide receivers over the course of his career. Unfortunately for Jaguars fans, Mathis tore his ACL this year against the Indianapolis Colts, ending his season.

Mathis has been one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL even though he has been tucked away in Jacksonville for his entire career. He was a huge part of some of those very tough defenses the Jaguars put together in the middle of the decade. 

While they are a young team that is now rebuilding, Mathis and his dreadlocks are sure to be an important piece over the next few years.

1. Troy Polamalu

Were you really expecting anyone else to top this list?

Whenever hair and the NFL is mentioned, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has to be one of the first names to pop in to your head. His excellent resume of accomplishments and high-energy play on the field have surely helped grow his hair's notoriety. 

The former AP Defensive Player of the Year continues to rock his famous hair, although he has begun to restrict it a bit. This could be due to the tackle he is still feeling today that took place in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006.

Nonetheless, Polamalu's signature hair isn't going anywhere. He has made a nice chunk of change doing shampoo commercials and his smart enough to not cut off his marketing money-maker. 

While his skills on the football field should be famous enough, don't expect to see Polamalu with a buzz cut anytime soon.