In the world of college football, players are known for their strength, skills, and big plays. But once in a while, someone grabs attention not just for their performance on the field, but also for their sense of style. That’s exactly what happened with Will Howard. Yes, the quarterback. Yes, the one who throws perfect spirals. But there’s something else that’s making waves online — his durag.
Let’s dive into the story of the Will Howard durag trend, why it matters, and what it says about culture, identity, and fashion today.
Who Is Will Howard?
Before we get into the durag, let’s talk about Will Howard himself. He’s a quarterback who played for Kansas State University and then transferred to Ohio State. Known for his powerful arm and smart playmaking, Howard quickly made a name for himself as one of college football’s rising stars.
He’s tall, talented, and confident. But lately, fans have noticed something else: his choice to wear a durag, both on social media and sometimes around games.
What Is a Durag, Anyway?
If you’re not familiar with the term, a durag (also spelled do-rag or du-rag) is a piece of cloth worn over the head. It’s usually tied in the back and helps keep hair in place. Durags are commonly used by people with waves, braids, or textured hair to protect their styles and promote hair health.
Durags also carry deep cultural meaning. They’re a symbol of Black pride, heritage, and fashion. In the past, durags were misunderstood or even criticized. But today, they’re recognized as both a practical tool and a bold fashion statement.
Will Howard and the Durag: Why It’s a Big Deal
So why did it become such a hot topic when Will Howard was seen wearing a durag?
There are a few reasons:
1. He’s Not Who You’d Expect
Will Howard is a white quarterback from Pennsylvania. Traditionally, durags have been worn by Black men and women. Seeing someone like Will wear one got people talking — was it fashion? Function? Cultural appreciation?
2. Social Media Took Notice
A single photo or TikTok is all it takes to start a trend. When people saw Howard wearing a durag, it quickly spread across Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. Memes were made. Debates started. People wanted to know more.
3. It’s About More Than Just Looks
The Will Howard durag moment sparked real conversations about race, identity, and cultural crossover. Some people saw it as a positive — proof that the durag is becoming more widely accepted. Others felt it crossed a line.
Is Will Howard Wearing a Durag Offensive?
This question came up a lot. Let’s break it down.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation
Some critics said that Will Howard wearing a durag could be seen as cultural appropriation — when someone outside of a culture adopts elements of it without understanding or respecting the meaning.
Others argued it could be cultural appreciation, especially if he was wearing it out of genuine admiration or for practical reasons, like keeping his hair in place under a helmet.
The truth? It depends on the context — and the intent.
What Fans Are Saying: The Internet Reacts
If you search “Will Howard durag” on Twitter or Reddit, you’ll find lots of different opinions. Here are a few things fans have been saying:
- “Didn’t expect to see Will Howard in a durag, but he’s kinda pulling it off 💀”
- “Is it just me or does Will Howard look like he’s about to drop a mixtape?”
- “Respect if he’s doing it for fashion or hair protection. But it feels weird seeing a white QB in a durag.”
The reactions were mixed, but one thing is clear: people noticed.
The Evolution of the Durag in Pop Culture
To understand why this moment matters, we need to look at the bigger picture.
Durags in the 90s and Early 2000s
Durags were worn by rappers like Nelly, 50 Cent, and Cam’ron. They were a big part of hip-hop culture. But they were also seen as “ghetto” or unprofessional in some spaces.
Durags Today
Now, durags are on fashion runways. Celebrities like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Solange have worn them in public. They’ve become symbols of pride and high fashion.
Will Howard’s choice to wear one fits into this evolution — showing how far the durag has come.
Why Athletes Wear Durags
It’s not just about culture. Durags serve a real purpose for athletes.
Hair Protection
Football helmets can mess up your hair. Durags help keep everything in place and reduce friction.
Sweat Management
Durags can absorb sweat and keep it from dripping down your face.
Compression
Some players use durags or wave caps under their helmets for extra comfort and fit.
So maybe Will Howard was simply being practical. Or maybe he was trying out a new look. Either way, it’s not unheard of for athletes to wear them.
What This Says About Style in Sports
Athletes are more than just players. They’re influencers, trendsetters, and cultural icons. From Deion Sanders to Travis Kelce, fashion has always been part of the game.
The Will Howard durag moment shows how athletes today are embracing personal style in bold new ways — even if it sparks controversy.
The Impact on College Football Culture
College football has its own traditions and unwritten rules. But those rules are changing.
We’re seeing more players expressing themselves through tattoos, hairstyles, jewelry, and yes, durags. The old-school “just play the game” mindset is giving way to something more modern and expressive.
Will Howard might not have meant to make a statement. But in some ways, he did.
What’s Next for Will Howard?
Will Howard has transferred to Ohio State, where he’s expected to bring experience and leadership. As a senior QB, he’ll be under a lot of pressure — on and off the field.
Will the durag follow him to Columbus? Will it become part of his brand?
Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: fans will be watching.
Final Thoughts:
At the end of the day, fashion is personal. Culture is complex. And style means different things to different people.
The story of Will Howard’s durag is more than a viral moment. It’s a reminder that how we present ourselves matters — and that even small choices can spark big conversations.
Whether you see it as cool, questionable, or just confusing, it got people thinking. And in today’s world, that’s powerful.
FAQS
Why did Will Howard wear a durag?
Possibly for hair protection, comfort under his helmet, or personal style.
Is it okay for a white athlete to wear a durag?
Opinions vary. Some see it as appreciation, others as appropriation. Context and intent matter.
Did Will Howard respond to the viral moment?
As of now, no official statement from Will Howard. But the internet continues to buzz.
Will he wear a durag at Ohio State?
We’ll have to wait and see!