The 2026 NFL season is officially underway with the kickoff of the Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. There won’t be too many starters on the field opening up the preseason, so many others will get the chance to steal the show. Yet, Cris Collinsworth became the earliest talking point with his hair dye. The NFL world made sure to get on his case about the new hairstyle.
NFL World Reacts to Cris Collinsworth’s Hair Dye
Collinsworth brought out a new look to start the new season. He’s got plenty of hair dye on his head with dark hair up top, and his gray hair remained gray on the sides. The NFL world isn’t a big fan of this new hairstyle, and let their feelings out on social media.
“Cris Collinsworth’s hair dye needs improving,” said one NFL social media personality.
Cris Collinsworth hair dye needs improving
— Mike (@ParadiseKauaiHI) August 6, 2026
The new hairstyle is certainly a statement compared to his old hairstyles. The darker-shaded hair was very noticeable to viewers, leaving some confused about why Collinsworth decided to dye his hair.
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“What is going on with Cris Collinsworth’s terrible dye job?” said another NFL social media personality.
What is going on with Cris Collinsworth’s terrible dye job? 😂 pic.twitter.com/DgBY8a7iq7
— All Panic, Absolutely No Disco (@delusionalpanic) August 7, 2026
“Cris Collinsworth looks different,” said a fan on X.
Collinsworth was likely not expecting to be grilled for using hair dye as he prepared for his opening call of the new football season. But it hasn’t been all negative feedback about the hairstyle; instead, the NFL world is drawing comparisons to Paulie Walnuts from “The Sopranos.”
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“Cris Collinsworth with some major Paulie Walnuts vibes,” said X user Jimmy Traina.
Cris Collinsworth with some major Paulie Walnuts vibes. pic.twitter.com/bR9NTGHnjf
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) August 7, 2026
It’s not just a sentiment one person in the NFL world had, but a discovery noticed by multiple people.
“Every year that goes by, Cris Collinsworth looks more and more like Paulie Walnuts,” said one fantasy football content creator.
Every year that goes by, Cris Collinsworth looks more and more like Paully Walnuts pic.twitter.com/2whB7aQcYe
— Fantasy Ogre (@FantasyOgre) August 7, 2026
Collinsworth might be doing his best Paulie Walnuts impression in 2026. The NFL world is ready for the season to begin and get back in full swing, whether Collinsworth has his hair dyed or not. The Panthers and Cardinals might not blow the NFL world’s mind with their play in the Hall of Fame Game, but Collinsworth already did with the new hairstyle.
