GEORGETOWN, Texas (April 20, 2026) - One of the most talked-about moments from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine wasn’t a drill or a 40-yard dash time; it was a flowing mullet.
University of Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker went viral when cameras captured his curly, red-haired mullet during his 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, turning the “business in the front, party in the back” look into one of the unexpected cultural moments of draft season.
The attention even prompted NFL Network analyst Rich Eisen to call it “the greatest mullet in Combine history.” Now the viral moment is turning into a brand partnership.
Sport Clips Haircuts, almost 1,800 locations strong, is partnering with Dunker after research commissioned by the brand found 1 in 5 American men want the mullet to make a comeback, making it the most requested retro hairstyle revival among those surveyed.
“When I showed up at the Combine, I knew the cameras would be on the drills. I just didn’t realize my mullet would get drafted first,” said Dunker. “I’ve spent years working to get to this moment, so it’s pretty funny that the hair ended up getting so much attention. Sport Clips keeps it looking good.”
The collaboration will highlight the resurgence of the mullet through digital content tied to Dunker’s viral Combine moment and the 2026 NFL Draft. Planned elements include social content, grooming tips for maintaining the “modern athlete mullet,” and fan engagement around draft season. In addition, Sport Clips will offer a free MVP Haircut Experience for anyone with a mullet from April 19-May 17. To claim the offer, clients can visit www.sportclips.com/MVPmullet.
Dunker, a 6-foot-5 offensive tackle and 2025 All-Big Ten selection, is expected to be among the top offensive linemen selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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About Sport Clips Haircuts
Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, offers online check in for clients, and ranks #52 in the Entrepreneur“ Franchise 500” for 2025 and was named a 2025 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review. There are nearly 1,800 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and ranks #13 in the 2025 Top Franchise for Veterans list by Entrepreneur. Sport Clips provides “Haircuts with Heart” through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has contributed more than $16 million to the VFW; national partnership with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants; and other national and local philanthropic outreach. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing team, Minor League Baseball (MiLB), and partners with select NCAA teams. To find a location near you, visit SportClipsHaircuts.com or download the Sport Clips app for locations and easy online check in.