Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson is one of college football’s most recognizable players, but it isn’t just his powerful arm or elusive scrambling that sets him apart. His signature golden curls, which flow past his helmet, have captured national attention and made him impossible to miss on the field.
What began as a simple hairstyle choice in kindergarten has blossomed into a personal brand, complete with a fitting nickname and lucrative NIL deals. For Johnson, the long hair is more than just a look; it’s a core part of his identity that has grown right along with his football career.
How Did Johnson’s Hair Become His Trademark?
Avery Johnson’s shoulder-length, curly golden locks are not a recent development. The Wichita native started growing his hair out in kindergarten and simply never cut it, turning a childhood decision into a lifelong commitment.
His distinctive look earned him the nickname “Sunshine” at Maize High School, a name likely originating from the popular football movie Remember the Titans, which perfectly captured the color of his hair and has followed him to college.
His hair became a national spectacle last season during an ESPN College GameDay appearance. While walking around with his hoodie up before a game against Tulane, Johnson created a brief panic among fans who thought he might have chopped off his famous mane. Host Pat McAfee seized the moment and asked him directly if he had gotten a haircut.
On national television, Johnson pulled back his hood to reveal that his signature curls were still intact, confirming that his hair had become as central to his public persona as his performance on the field.
“Avery, did you cut your hair?” 🤣 @PatMcAfeeShow asking Kansas State QB Avery Johnson the important questions ✍️ pic.twitter.com/I723XA2suR
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 7, 2024
He has even committed his hair to the virtual world, urging EA Sports to render his locks accurately in EA College Football 25. Johnson pledged to rally fans on social media if the game failed to include his trademark look.
Does His Performance Match His Famous Look?
Just like his hair, Johnson’s on-field production has grown steadily throughout his career. At Maize High School, he showed early promise, throwing for 2,109 yards with 25 touchdowns and only three interceptions as a sophomore.
His junior season marked a significant leap. Johnson demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities by passing for 2,549 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding 1,080 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. That performance earned him First-Team All-State honors.
He concluded his high school career on a high note, winning the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year award as a senior after throwing for 2,768 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Johnson’s transition to college football seemed seamless. In 2023, as a freshman at Kansas State, he completed 37 of 66 passes for 479 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. He also contributed 296 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in eight games.
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In 2024, Johnson took the reins as the full-time starter and delivered impressive numbers. Starting every game, he completed 217 of 372 passes for 2,712 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He continued to be a threat on the ground, rushing 113 times for 605 yards and seven more scores.
Through his first two collegiate seasons, Johnson has accumulated 3,191 passing yards and 30 touchdowns against 10 picks, 901 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 21 total games.
For Avery Johnson, his hair is clearly more than just a style. It started in kindergarten, but now it fuels his brand with NIL money and keeps him in the national spotlight. As he enters his junior season, his famous locks and impressive stats will surely keep drawing attention.
Johnson and his luscious locks will be on full display on Saturday when the Wildcats take on the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin, Ireland. This “Farmageddon” matchup, which the Cyclones lead 54 wins to KSU’s 50, will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, August 23. The game will be televised on ESPN.
