Iowa Football Prospect Going Viral for His ‘Legendary Mullet’

I must confess: I was so smitten with former Iowa Hawkeye Kaden Wetjen's performance at the NFL Combine last weekend, that I overlooked another Iowa player who has swiftly become a sensation. His long, flowing locks, beefy build, and charismatic nature will make him a fan favorite for a team in need of an offensive tackle.

That player is Gennings Dunker, a Lena, IL native, who has been going viral this week. His distinctive look, including a long red mullet and moustache, have made him one of the most talked about players at the NFL Combine. The 6'5'', 319-pound local boy is not only a promising prospect, but he also has "the greatest mullet in the history of the Combine" according to long-time Combine analyst and consummate professional Rich Eisen.

READ MORE: Iowa Wide Receiver Kaden Wetjen Likely Improved His NFL Draft Stock

About Gennings Dunker:

Hailing from Lena, IL, and a graduate of Lena-Winslow High School and the University of Iowa, Gennings Dunker studied human physiology (fitting for a physical specimen) and had plans to become a doctor. That was until Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett told him he had NFL potential as an offensive lineman. Not only can he bench-press 470 pounds, or squat nearly 700 pounds, Dunker can also (figuratively) devour a book; he's an avid reader, per Hawk Central.

Dunker was named First-Team All Big Ten following the Hawkeyes' memorable 2025 season. Pro Football Focus rates Dunker as the third best offensive tackle prospect available in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to kick off in Pittsburgh on April 23rd.

An Analysis of Gennings Dunker as a Player:

NFL Draft guru Lance Zierlein broke down Gennings Dunker as a player on NFL.com:

Dunker is a three-year starter with a pro-ready frame but limited athleticism that is likely to push him inside to guard. He plays with average pad level, heavy hands and enough upper-body power to displace defenders if he plays with more consistent hand placement. His lateral quickness is average and his movements in space are mechanical, leading to difficulty making needed adjustments. The move inside should accentuate his play strength and allow him to get on top of opponents more quickly, but sub-package rushers and gaming fronts could be an ongoing challenge - Lance Zierlein, per NFL.com

You can find out more about Gennings Dunker's recently virality on Hawk Central's website, and learn more about him as a player on NFL.com.