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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There was a noticeable difference with former Utah All-American Star Lotulelei when he reported to OTA’s recently for the Carolina Panthers.
He hasn’t shaved in the year 2015.
Is there any motivation behind the facial hair?
“I just got lazy," he explained to the Charlotte media. “It’s hard to shave so I might as well let it grow out.”
Lotulelei has had a contest going with his younger brother Lowell Lotulelei, who will be a sophomore defensive tackle for the University of Utah this fall. They have been growing out a “tail” in the back of their hair. Star is proud to say he is winning.
“I’m just having fun. That’s me," he said.
The way Star’s season ended last year was anything but fun.
He missed two games during the regular season with an ankle injury then suffered a broken foot in the Panthers' playoff upset of the Arizona Cardinals.
It forced him to miss the NFC divisional playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
“It was tough sitting back having to watch it and not being there with the guys," he said.
He’s been rehabbing ever since and was recently cleared to return to football in time for Panthers OTA’s
“It feels great man. Being out, missing the playoffs, missing the Seattle game it was tough but being out here running around being with the guys again it feels good," he said.
As for the beard, unless it gets too hot, you can expect to see it continue when he gets back on the field this fall.
“It feels natural,” he said.
