Kelvin Sheppard asked Dan Campbell once if should cut off his dreads to look more professional as a coach.

Kelvin Sheppard asked Dan Campbell once if should cut off his dreads to look more professional as a coach.

Campbell’s response: “What? Are you crazy? First of all, I love your hair. But seriously, Shep, if I’m hiring you, if anybody’s hiring you, they’re hiring you because of you. You got those jobs because of who you are, not because of somebody you’re trying to become.”

Now, he’s the Lions Defensive Coordinator. And he’s still got those awesome dreads.

 

**Kelvin Sheppard’s Question to Dan Campbell: “Should I Cut Off My Dreads to Look More Professional?”**

In the NFL, appearances often play an outsized role in how coaches and players are perceived. There’s a long-standing belief in professional sports that to be taken seriously, especially as a coach, one must present a polished, put-together image that fits the expected mold. This belief is built on decades of tradition, where the idea of professionalism has often been tied to conservative looks—short haircuts, suits, and a certain stoic demeanor. But in recent years, with the rise of more individualistic personalities and a focus on authenticity, the idea of what it means to be “professional” in the NFL has started to shift. This change is reflected in coaches like Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions’ head coach, who has built a reputation as a passionate, gritty, and authentic leader. Yet, in the early stages of his coaching career, even Campbell found himself navigating these expectations of professionalism, particularly when it came to his appearance.

In a candid and revealing moment, Kelvin Sheppard, a former NFL linebacker and current coach, asked Campbell a question that echoed the larger debates about identity, self-expression, and the pressures to conform in a traditionally conservative league: “Should I cut off my dreads to look more professional?” The question may seem simple at first glance, but it carries deeper implications for both Sheppard and Campbell, highlighting how personal choices about appearance are often tangled with professional expectations in the NFL.

### **The Context of the Question**

Kelvin Sheppard’s question to Dan Campbell took place during a time when Campbell was still trying to solidify his reputation as a coach in the NFL. Campbell, who had an extensive playing career before transitioning into coaching, was well aware of how personal choices could be viewed by the media, fans, and even the players in the locker room. His physical appearance was certainly a distinguishing factor—his broad frame, scruffy beard, and long, unkempt hair (including his signature dreads) made him stand out. He exuded a unique combination of toughness and authenticity that resonated with many players and fans alike. However, Sheppard’s question reveals the complexities involved in maintaining one’s personal identity while working within a system that often values conformity, particularly when you’re trying to earn respect and build authority as a leader.

At the time of the question, Sheppard, who had played under Campbell at the time and was still getting his bearings as a coach, might have been wrestling with his own image and how it would be received in the NFL coaching world. The NFL is notorious for its adherence to traditional norms when it comes to professionalism, and Sheppard was likely grappling with the tension between expressing his individuality through his dreads and fitting into the highly structured environment of an NFL coaching staff.

### **Dan Campbell’s Response: Embracing Authenticity**

In response to Sheppard’s question, Dan Campbell didn’t just brush off the concerns; instead, he gave an answer that revealed a lot about his character and leadership style. Campbell, known for his authenticity and “no-nonsense” approach to coaching, told Sheppard that he should *never* feel pressured to change his appearance to fit anyone else’s idea of professionalism. Instead of succumbing to the external expectations placed on him, Campbell encouraged Sheppard to be true to himself and to embrace who he was.

Campbell’s answer to Sheppard was far more than just a casual comment on hair. It was a deeper lesson on leadership, self-confidence, and the importance of owning one’s identity. Campbell made it clear that, in his eyes, professionalism was not defined by appearance but by the way someone carried themselves, treated others, and approached their work. The ability to lead by example, build relationships, and foster a culture of trust and respect mattered far more than conforming to a conventional mold.

### **The Broader Implications: Challenging Norms in the NFL**

The conversation between Sheppard and Campbell can be viewed as a microcosm of a larger cultural shift occurring in the NFL. For decades, the league has had a somewhat rigid view of professionalism, one that favored a clean-cut, conservative aesthetic. Coaches were expected to be polished, authoritative figures who didn’t challenge the status quo. In many ways, the NFL’s uniformity in appearance mirrored the corporate world’s often narrow views on what it meant to be “professional.” However, the landscape of the league has changed in recent years, with coaches like Campbell leading the charge in embracing more authentic, humanistic leadership styles that prioritize emotional intelligence, connection, and individuality.

By encouraging Sheppard to keep his dreads, Campbell was subtly pushing back against the outdated notion that “professional” had to mean conventional. The message was clear: You can be a strong leader, command respect, and succeed at the highest level of competition without having to sacrifice who you are. In fact, embracing your individuality might make you a stronger, more effective leader.

### **The Role of Personal Identity in Coaching**

For many players and coaches, the way they present themselves physically is an extension of their personality and identity. It’s a reflection of the experiences, cultures, and communities they come from. In Campbell’s case, his unshaven face and long hair are emblematic of his rugged, blue-collar mentality—a personality that resonates deeply with the players he coaches, especially in a city like Detroit, where toughness, grit, and authenticity are part of the city’s fabric.

But personal identity isn’t just about hair, clothes, or appearance—it’s about staying grounded in your values, maintaining authenticity, and leading with integrity. For Campbell, this lesson seems to extend well beyond his own self-image. He understands that in order to build trust with his players, they need to know he’s not going to ask them to do something he wouldn’t do himself. Campbell has been upfront about his blue-collar background and willingness to be vulnerable, sharing his struggles and triumphs along the way. His example shows that real leadership involves both confidence and humility, and sometimes that means defying conventional expectations.

### **Kelvin Sheppard: A Coach for a New Era**

For Kelvin Sheppard, Campbell’s response to his question likely had a profound impact on his own approach to coaching. Having seen firsthand how Campbell’s leadership combines authenticity with authority, Sheppard may have come to realize that he didn’t need to sacrifice his personality or his unique identity to succeed in the coaching world. The lesson that professionalism isn’t defined by appearance but by character, work ethic, and relationships is one that continues to resonate in Sheppard’s career.

In many ways, Sheppard represents a new wave of coaches who are unapologetically themselves—leaders who embrace diversity, authenticity, and individuality. As the NFL continues to evolve, the future of coaching will likely be shaped by leaders like Sheppard and Campbell who value connection over conformity.

### **Conclusion: Leadership Through Authenticity**

Dan Campbell’s response to Kelvin Sheppard’s question about cutting his dreads was more than just a simple piece of advice—it was a declaration about the kind of leader he was and the type of culture he wanted to create in the NFL. Campbell’s message to Sheppard was clear: professionalism is not about fitting into a predefined mold; it’s about being true to yourself, working hard, and leading with integrity.

In a world that often values conformity over individuality, Campbell’s leadership stands as a reminder that authenticity should never be compromised for the sake of outward appearances. By embracing who you are, you not only empower yourself but also inspire others to do the same. In the case of Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard, it’s clear that leadership is about far more than what meets the eye—it’s about who you are, how you treat others, and the values you stand for. And in the end, that’s what makes a coach truly great.