The Most Epic Beards of the NFL
Written By Shaylynn Marks
Over the years, the NFL has given us more than unforgettable plays and legendary rivalries. It has also delivered some genuinely elite facial hair. From the playoff-grown monsters to the carefully maintained season-long beard styles, beards have become a real part of modern football culture. We’ve got a list of the most epic NFL beards that are Zeus approved, and we’ll shed some light onto why beard styles are important in football culture.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
How Beards Became a Part of Football Culture
For much of the league’s history, the NFL favored a clean-cut look, with a bigger interest in mustache styles during the earlier decades of the league. Short hair and clean shaves were the norm, especially in the earlier decades when the concept of professionalism was limiting and tightly defined. That guideline began to loosen as player personalities became more visible and locker room culture shifted.
While NFL beards didn’t quickly arrive as a trend, they gradually showed up because not only is football season long, but the winters are cold—and those regular shaves over the chaos of the playoffs can easily fall behind. Many players stopped shaving during stretches of the year, and kept their beards growing as they returned to the field. Over time, certain beards stuck around long enough to become familiar; and inevitably, iconic!
What are the Beard Regulations of the NFL?
The NFL doesn’t regulate facial hair in any meaningful stylistic way. There are no restrictive rules about beard length, shape, or density unless the beard interferes with helmet fit, chin straps, or other protective equipment. In short, as long as the gear fits properly, the beard stays.
What is a Playoff Beard?
A playoff beard is a long-running sports tradition where players stop shaving once the postseason begins and let their facial hair grow for as long as the offseason lasts. This trend was actually originated in the 1980s by the ice hockey team, the New York Islanders, but have since been embraced by tons of professional NFL athletes and other professional sports leagues.
Photo by Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash
NFL Beards (Then and Now)
Ken Stabler
Also known as “The Snake,” Stabler was known for his rugged mug during his time as a quarterback for the Raiders in the 1970s. His beard matched the team’s outlaw vibe, and was very much a style of the era.
Brett Keisel
Keisel’s beard (aka “Da Beard”) became famous during his years with the Steelers, particularly throughout playoff runs in the late 2000s. For ten years he ran an annual charity event, Shear da Beard, where he would shave off his mane in benefit to support cancer programs at UPMC’s Children’s Hospital.
Odell Beckham Jr
Beckham’s beard has evolved alongside his image during his career under the Giants and the Browns, intentionally shaped (and might I say, fluffy!) with clean lines. Leaning more on the stylish side than rugged, his beard style signals the impact of how facial hair helps personal branding in the modern NFL.
Eric Weddle
Through much of his prime, Weddle wore a full, rugged beard. While the style reinforces his reputation as a defensive leader, he’s even shown his fun side by dying it to create a Santa beard for the holidays.
Leonard Fournette
Dense and well-maintained, Fournette’s iconic beard became most popular during his time playing for the Jaguars and Buccaneers. It matched his downhill running style while still feeling deliberate rather than overgrown.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick’s glorious beard has taken multiple lengths and styles throughout the years, each one truly Greek god-like in its own way. Goodbye, chest bumps—hello, beard bumps! He’s even known to spread his “fitzmagic,” but beard rubbing with teammates during pregame.
Jason Kelce
While maybe not as long as other NFL players, we’ve got to add Kelce’s perfectly thick and even beard to the list. He’s even gone as far as dying it to look like Billy Mays for his brother’s Garage Beer commercial. Now that’s dedication!
Nick Mangold
We’ve gotta give some love to this true Jets legend! Mangold’s beard has also varied over the years; with even his longer styles giving pure cthulhu vibes. While the beloved blonde bearded center recently passed away in October 2025, fans continue to honor his legacy.
Ezekiel Elliott
Another glorious full and well maintained beard, Elliott’s dense and well-defined beard became a part of his recognizable look during his years in Dallas. Even his pet snake loved it!
Gardner Minshew
Also known for his amazing mustache, Minshew hasn’t shied away from a few beard moments, which he especially experimented with during his years with Jacksonville. His retro-inspired look has definitely sparked some of the Minshew-mania we see from fans year after year.
Joey Slye
It’s not a full epic beards of NFL list if we don’t mention Slye’s thick red beard. It has made him instantly recognizable early on in his career. It stood out precisely because facial hair seems to rarely become part of a kicker’s aesthetic.
NFL Beards are Here to Stay
These beards of the NFL are way beyond trends or some sort of gimmick. These beard styles are about their identity, and even sometimes, superstition. Some beards can become a part of a player’s legacy, or were at least fun during the seasons they lasted. Either way, these NFL beards have earned their place in football culture, one snap at a time.
