You ever put on an outrageous outfit and accidentally turn into a style icon? Me neither, but you’re about to learn that it is in fact possible. 

Introducing Scott Player, a former NFL punter whose image still garners more engagement on social media than the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Why, you ask? Because, much like Jason Isbell sang, he was the last of his kind. Well into the 2000s Player rocked a blonde fu manchu and was the last active player in the NFL to have worn a single bar facemask. Also, the facemask was a “convertible,” so most of the time he didn’t even wear it over his face–it hung out down around his chin. 

Sounds like a real wild card, right? An 80s Hulk Hogan type. The type of guy who finished a game and then went jet skiing in shark-infested waters with Dennis Rodman and Slash from Guns N’ Roses. Or went bungee jumping with Guy Fieri and Henry Rollins.

 I mean, at the very least he sounds like a guy who had a high pain threshold, and wasn’t afraid to have his jaw absolutely demolished in the name of comfort and style. 

Today we’re diving in, with Scott, to learn about the man, the career, and the birth of a look that will delight football fans until the end of time. 

Was Scott Player’s look the most iconic in NFL History?

Welcome to Episode 004 of REAL DEAL! I’m Tony Reali, and I’m so happy you’re here.

You ever put on an outrageous outfit and accidentally turn into a style icon? Me neither, but you&rsquo;re about to learn that it is in fact possible.&nbsp;
Introducing Scott Player, a former NFL punter whose image still garners more engagement on social media than the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Why, you ask? Because, much like Jason Isbell sang, he was the last of his kind. Well into the 2000s Player rocked a blonde fu manchu and was the last active player in the NFL to have worn a single bar facemask. Also, the facemask was a &ldquo;convertible,&rdquo; so most of the time he didn&rsquo;t even wear it over his face&ndash;it hung out down around his chin.&nbsp;
Sounds like a real wild card, right? An 80s Hulk Hogan type. The type of guy who finished a game and then went jet skiing in shark-infested waters with Dennis Rodman and Slash from Guns N&rsquo; Roses. Or went bungee jumping with Guy Fieri and Henry Rollins.
&nbsp;I mean, at the very least he sounds like a guy who had a high pain threshold, and wasn&rsquo;t afraid to have his jaw absolutely demolished in the name of comfort and style.&nbsp;
Today we&rsquo;re diving in, with Scott, to learn about the man, the career, and the birth of a look that will delight football fans until the end of time.&nbsp;
Was Scott Player&rsquo;s look the most iconic in NFL History?
Welcome to Episode 004 of REAL DEAL! I&rsquo;m Tony Reali, and I&rsquo;m so happy you&rsquo;re here.

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali is a sports culture podcast built around one irresistible moment at a time. A play. A clip. A photo. A legend. The cultural touchstones of sports that never leave us. Every episode starts small and goes deep into the story behind the story, the feeling behind the moment, and the human truth that explains why it's still living rent-free in our heads years later.

 

Hosted by longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali, REAL DEAL blends storytelling, humor, nostalgia, emotional insight, and unpredictable energy with guests who complete the story. Athletes, broadcasters, superfans, comedians, journalists and the people nobody else would think to call.

 

This is neither a debate show nor a recap show. It’s an evergreen sports culture format built around the moments, stories, and emotional chaos that keep sports alive, always.

 

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali is a sports culture podcast built around one irresistible moment at a time. A play. A clip. A photo. A legend. The cultural touchstones of sports that never leave us. Every episode starts small and goes deep into the story behind the story, the feeling behind the moment, and the human truth that explains why it's still living rent-free in our heads years later.
&nbsp;
Hosted by longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali, REAL DEAL blends storytelling, humor, nostalgia, emotional insight, and unpredictable energy with guests who complete the story. Athletes, broadcasters, superfans, comedians, journalists and the people nobody else would think to call.
&nbsp;
This is neither a debate show nor a recap show. It&rsquo;s an evergreen sports culture format built around the moments, stories, and emotional chaos that keep sports alive, always.
&nbsp;

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali

Did This Former Punter Have the Most Iconic Look in NFL History?! | with Scott Player

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ca53b302-8496-42c7-9d45-b49b0153d7b1/transcript