FSU football's Mike Norvell faces alma mater and his 'cornrow' past

Florida State coach Mike Norvell has a reputation as a respected leader in college football, but his past includes a memorable story involving a wager that resulted in a photograph of him with cornrows. The image, which dates back over two decades, has resurfaced repeatedly throughout his coaching career, generating amusement wherever it appears.

The cornrows story began when Norvell, a wide receiver for Central Arkansas, accepted a bet during a youth football camp. He was tasked with braiding his hair if his group won, which they did, and Norvell honored the bet by keeping the cornrows during media day. The photograph has followed him throughout his coaching career, including during his tenure at Memphis and his current role at Florida State.

Despite his success, Norvell acknowledges that even accomplished coaches cannot escape every chapter of their past.