Dolphin Players Showing Off A New Look For 2012

The Miami Dolphin players seem to be embracing all of the offseason changes and are excited to show off a whole new look for 2012.  If you haven’t had the chance to look at any photos or observe footage from OTAs, then you are probably unaware of their new look.  Apparently, wearing dreadlocks is no longer the preferred haircut of the Miami Dolphins, and most of the players have invested in scissors and razors during this offseason and are rocking a clean-cut look.

Davone Bess and Tony McDaniel were the first to start this new trend this offseason.  Considering they both have sported dreads since they joined the Dolphins, it was hard for me to recognize them at first.  For me, the long dreads were a trademark look for Bess at WR and McDaniel on the defensive line.  When watching the games on television, the dreads from both players cleared up any confusion as to who was out on the field.

It didn’t take long for several other players to follow suit with similar short haircuts.  Defensive backs Sean Smith and most recently Nolan Carroll have also decided to lose their dreads.  After looking at some recent OTA pictures, boy do these guys look different and it will take some time for me to adjust to their new look.

The only player from last year’s Miami squad who appears to be boycotting the clippers is safety Chris Clemons.  But, it will only be a matter of time before the hot Miami weather and peer pressure convinces him to cut his long dreads as well.  If anything, he could possibly be inspired to donate his hair to Locks of Love for cancer patients, just like McDaniel and Carroll.  Regardless, I have a feeling Clemons will be chopping off his dreads before the start of the regular season.

2012 is a whole new year.  As the saying goes, “out with the old and in with the new.” With a brand new coaching staff, every player will be starting off with a clean slate.  For some, it will be a great opportunity to start over and work towards a fresh beginning.

If this means changing their look and cutting off the dreads, then I am all for it.  All four players now claim to feel more refreshed, lighter, and not as hot on the field.  Who knows, their new hair cuts may just make them a little faster!  Or is that just wishful thinking?  Regardless of the new look, I’m just anxious and excited to see how they perform on the field.