Trademark Looks in the NFL

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu isn't the only NFL star with a million-dollar look (at least for insurance purposes). Here are some of the more notable trademark body parts, fashion statements and accessories that should be insured on the heels of Tuesday's announcement that Polamalu's locks have been covered for $1 million through Lloyds of London.

Sure, he's got the mouth -- the one that wants you to get ya popcorn ready. But T.O. is most proud of his six-pack. Every chance he gets, he pulls off his shirt and shows `em of, including at an impromptu driveway press conferences.

Some people say it has its own gravitational pull. It's a popular topic on football forums. Manning's forehead even has its own Facebook page. But, hey, it's mostly jealousy. That big football brain has to go somewhere, doesn't it?

For anywhere from $45-$95, you, too, can buy the right to cut the arms off a brand new Patriots sweatshirt. Naturally, thousands of fans have done exactly that. Belichick's cut-off sweatshirt has become its own cottage industry. There's a special technique to cutting the sleeves, too -- not too high, not to low.

It's back. Last preseason, Cushing traded in one trademark for another, replacing the long locks that were his look at USC with a Mohawk that was a part of rookie hazing. After earning defensive rookie-of-the-year honors, this year the `hawk is self-inflicted.

He's been called "stumbledoofus" and "goofy" and "dumb." His supporters call him, "dumb like a fox," whatever that means. Sure, he's a very good coach. But the fact is, when things go wrong on the field, Phillips gets a trademark confused look on his face that cameras love.

Say what you will about Captain Faux Retirement, but the man definitely knows how to turn a buck. Even his gray locks and salt-and-pepper beard have become trademarks to the point that he's made the covers of several magazines, like a football version of George Clooney.

Jared Allen was mullet when mullet wasn't cool. Oh, dear. What were you thinking, Jared ... you cut the mullet? Please grow it back soon. The league is just not the same without your, business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back look.

The man who set back seventh-grade Spanish classes 10 years has made it cool to maul the Spanish language. Chad Ochenta Y Cinco is the proper way to say it. But when has Chad ever been proper?

Many have followed, with mixed results. But the Michael Jordan of goalpost dunkers is Tony Gonzalez. Many NFL players have highlight videos on youtube. Few have highlight videos of their celebratory dunks.

It makes women swoon and adult film stars jealous. Titans fans swear the Fisher `stache has magical powers. Mike Ditka may have had a famous one, but none have been as cool as Fisher's.

Clearly a victim of Undertrained Athlete Syndrome, Haynesworth has had his share of dubious moments in 2010. Yet how many players are more recognizable by their girthy profile than their face. Don't ask Albert's belly what's shaking ... it's a complicated question.

When women's magazines ask you for hair secrets, you know you've got the look. Sanchez' quarterback rating has been much like his thick, wavy hair -- lots of ups and downs.

You want to say that Romo's got it all backward. His sideline style has become one of the most irritating things in the league for football-watching fans. Then again, when kids turn their hats backward, they call it, "going Romo." Obviously, the trademark is his.

One of these days, Coughlin's cheeks are bound to show up on an injury report. That is, "Coughlin. Red cheeks. Doubtful." Really, now, somebody get this man a muffler and some ear muffs. Come winter games, it hurts to look at him.

You only thought Capt. Quint was talking about a great white when he uttered the famous Jaws line, "He's got lifeless eyes. Black eyes. Like a doll's eyes." He was actually talking about Shanahan.

Who needs lasik surgery? Andy Reid has made it cool to be professorial and a football four-eyes, after Holmgren, who could be Reid's long lost brother, started the trend.

Every player in the league tries to come up with some kind of something that could compare to Lewis' fist-pumping, slide-stepping, shoulder-popping trademark "krunk" dance. No one has succeeded. Neither will anyone. Ever.

Especially after winning the Super Bowl, it's the most recognizable birthmark since Marilyn Monroe's mole. Brees' parents reportedly thought of having the birthmark removed when he was a child, but reconsidered.

He's made the term `thunder thighs' cool. Some say they measure 32 inches in diameter. Some say 34 inches. Some have said as much as 42 (which is a stretch). No matter. When they go pumping down the field, there's no mistaking who it is.

Usually, when a player catches a coach's eye it's a good thing. Not always in Singletary's case. With a stare that could melt polar ice caps, Singletary can scare a player straight with just a look. Just ask tight end Vernon Davis. "Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it."
(Who would you add to the list? Send comments to siwriters@simail.com)