Redskins running back Roy Helu has played most of his professional career with waves of thick black hair poking out from his helmet. When the team returns to the field after its current bye week, however, that will not be the case.
Helu strolled through the locker room Tuesday with a new, shorter haircut, a change he said he has been planning for months. The running back and his wife, Danielle, have each cut their hair and donated it to the American Cancer Society through the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. The hair will be used to make wigs for cancer patients.
“This is the third or fourth time I’ve grown my hair,” Helu said Tuesday. “So I finally got to do something worthwhile in doing it.”
Helu and his wife were originally planning to cut their hair before the birth of their child this summer. But soon after the baby was born, Helu had to join the Redskins at training camp and the couple decided to wait until a more convenient time.
Helu said his wife donated 16 inches, while his own wavy locks produced 11 inches. In addition to a lighter head, the backup running back also feels a sense of fulfillment.
“I wanted to play the football season without hair coming out of my helmet,” Helu said. “I did half of it at least.”
SEE ALSO: Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III: ‘This is my team and I’m going to lead it’
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.