If you asked a casual NFL fan to identify Trevor Lawrence, they wouldn't have trouble because of his distinct blonde long hair. Dating back to high school, it's been one of his most distinct features, and he's kept it that way even after getting drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. And why wouldn't he? It doesn't affect his gameplay or influence the outcome of the game. For that reason, it was a bit puzzling to hear a talking head suggest he change his look.
Rich Eisen recently discussed Lawrence's decision to wear a sleeve during mandatory minicamp and wondered why he still had it on even after practice was over. The conversation then turned to his hair and how good he looks. Out of nowhere, co-host Chris Brockman argued that No. 16 should do without it.
"I don't want everyone bald, but you know, the first part of his career has been a pretty, pretty big disappointment, and you've been rocking the long hair," Brockman said when asked why Lawrence should get a new look. "Let's make a change. Let's start fresh."
When asked if he blamed the hair for Lawrence's inability to put it all together, Brockman responded that it was time for a new look. Eisen then asked what if his wife Marissa likes it that way, to which Brockman said that "he got 53 people that matter more than his wife."
While it's not rare to see NFL players with long hair, quarterbacks rarely let it grow as long as Lawrence's. Fellow signal-caller Blaine Gabbert had it long early in his stint with the Jags, but eventually trimmed it. Tom Brady, at some point in his career, also had it long, but not as long as Lawrence.
Trevor Lawrence cutting his hair wouldn't be of use for the Jaguars
Objectively speaking, having long or short hair doesn't affect a player's performance, and if Trevor Lawrence likes it that way, why would he cut it? Would it help him convert on third-and-long? Would he throw a better spiral? Hall-of-Fame safety Troy Polamalu had one of the most memorable hairstyles in NFL history, and he was called a warrior. Does he get a pass because he played a different position?
If the Jaguars want Lawrence to put it all together, they won't ask him to cut his hair. Instead, they'll keep doing what they've done since the new regime took over: Give him a good supporting cast and adequate coaching.
Lawrence's current arsenal of weapons is arguably the best he's had in his career after the addition of Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown. The offensive line should be in much better shape after the addition of several hog mollies in the offseason. On the other hand, head coach Liam Coen is helping the fifth-year quarterback clean his footwork and fix his mechanics. That, not cutting his hair, will help him be better.
Trevor Lawrence is entering a pivotal year in his career, and trying to do things differently could certainly help him. That said, cutting his hair is an odd suggestion that wouldn't move the needle at all.