Aaron Rodgers isn’t just one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL; he’s also made a name for himself as a facial hair expert. While most NFL players are remembered for their touchdowns, throwing accuracy, or incredible footwork, Rodgers has added a different element to his legacy—his mustache game. From clean-shaven to handlebar to outlaw-inspired looks, Rodgers has sported a variety of mustaches over the years, paying homage to icons like Sam Elliott, Tom Selleck, and his father.
Let’s examine how Rodgers’s mustache evolution has become a quirky yet beloved part of his NFL career.
Clean-Shaven Rookie: The Beginning of Aaron Rodgers’ Journey (2005)
Aaron Rodgers first appeared on the NFL stage in 2005 when he was drafted 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers. Back then, the 21-year-old was clean-shaven and looked like your average rookie, eager to make his mark as Brett Favre’s backup. Rodgers didn’t let any of his future facial hair plans slip during these early years—he kept it simple and clean-cut.
No one could have predicted that this fresh-faced quarterback would later captivate the NFL world with his ever-changing mustache styles. Fans were still adjusting to Rodgers’ smooth, baby-faced look, unaware of the grooming adventures ahead.
Thin Mustache Tease: Rodgers’ First Move as a Starter (2008)
When Rodgers finally took over as the starting quarterback in 2008, he began teasing fans with a faint mustache. This marked the start of his facial hair evolution. As Rodgers gained success in the NFL, he showed fans that he was more than just about football—his personality and facial hair would be a significant part of it.
Though it was subtle, that thin mustache hinted at the future of Rodgers’ looks. He even dabbled in growing out his hair, giving fans some serious ’70s vibes. It was clear from this point on—his style wasn’t just about his game; it was about making a statement.
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The Super Bowl Stubble (2011)
By the time Rodgers led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2011, the quarterback had ditched the mustache in favor of some faint stubble. He didn’t want any distractions, focusing purely on football as the Packers claimed the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Yet, despite his clean performance and MVP-caliber play, fans couldn’t help but feel that his triumphant moment was missing one thing—a trademark Rodgers mustache. Many still joke that if the Packers ever make it back to the big game, they’ll demand Rodgers sport some facial hair to honor the occasion.
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Handlebar Mustache: A Lucky Charm for the MVP (2011)
Shortly after his Super Bowl win, Aaron Rodgers decided to fully embrace the facial hair revolution by growing a handlebar mustache. This bold style showed that Rodgers wasn’t afraid to take risks off the field, and it seemed to work. He went on to win the 2011 NFL MVP award, solidifying himself as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
The handlebar mustache quickly became iconic and one of Rodgers’ most recognizable looks, sparking debates among fans and media about whether the ‘stache had played a part in his stellar season. Lucky charm or not, it left an impression.
The Outlaw Look: Wild West Vibes (2012–2013)
The following years saw Rodgers lean even further into his mustache experimentation, embracing what fans dubbed “the outlaw look.” He trimmed his mustache down to a thinner style, often pairing it with a cowboy hat and attire that made him look straight out of a Western.
With a Super Bowl MVP and a regular-season MVP under his belt, Rodgers had more than earned the right to play around with his style. The Wild West vibes made him stand out, and fans began eagerly awaiting what look he would debut next.
Mutton Chops And The Retro Throwback (2016–2017)
In 2016, Rodgers brought back a modified version of his old handlebar mustache, dubbing it the “mutton chops.” It was thick and full, and he openly admitted to experimenting with various looks, showing up at team events with different styles each day. He was clearly having fun with his grooming routine, and his fans loved it.
By 2017, Rodgers decided to go even more retro. He grew a mustache that looked like it belonged in a Western film, drawing comparisons to his favorite actor, Sam Elliott, who he has called his mustache inspiration. Fans even compared the look to Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Wyatt Earp from Tombstone, and the Packers’ social media account had fun with it, highlighting how Rodgers’ mustache was truly in a league of its own.
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The Cowboy Sheriff Mustache (2018)
In 2018, Rodgers embraced the full cowboy look, rocking a mustache that extended beyond his lip and gave off serious sheriff vibes. Fans immediately noticed the resemblance to Sam Elliott’s iconic mustache in Tombstone, which Rodgers has frequently cited as one of his biggest inspirations. He wore the look with confidence, pairing it with cowboy hats and jackets that made him look like he was ready to ride into the Wild West.
Rodgers acknowledged the compliments, even joking that genetics had blessed him with the ability to grow such a fine mustache. His fans were thrilled to see him take this persona to new heights.
Clean Shaven but Not for Long (2019)
By the 2019 season, Aaron Rodgers surprised everyone by shaving off his mustache, going for a clean look to start the year. Fans, including talk show host Rich Eisen, were shocked. Rodgers explained that maintaining the mustache had become a hassle and that he was ready for a change. However, his clean-shaven look didn’t last long. By the end of the season, he had grown a thick beard and mustache once again, showing that his commitment to facial hair was far from over.
The Sam Elliott Tribute (2020 and Beyond)
In 2020, Rodgers brought back his fans’ favorite—a mustache inspired by Sam Elliott’s iconic look. His fans had been clamoring for it, especially after Rodgers ran a poll on Instagram asking whether he should bring back the long hair and Elliott-inspired mustache combination. He gave the people what they wanted, cementing his status as the NFL’s mustache king.
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