Mahomes told AOL in 2019 that the hairstyle was the result of a friendly bet with a buddy when he was younger. They each grew out their hair and wanted to see who would go the longest before finally cutting it. “As I grew it out, I realized that I actually liked it a lot,” Mahomes told AOL Sports. “So, I kept it going.”

Whether or not the new look is simply a result of growing weary of the mohawk or is part of a grander plan of a new era for Mahomes, the Chiefs’ shot-caller appears to be shedding his old skin and transforming into a new year. Stay tuned to see if Mahomes changes his mind and regrows his iconic hair or rocks his fresh look into the new season.

Jackson Mahomes attended the Chiefs' victories in Super Bowls LIV, LVII and LVIII, which raised his profile and left him vulnerable to the scrutiny of the public.