Americans are known for their resilience, which might make the mustache the most American of all facial hair.
Yes, the mustache has experienced an unlikely cultural rebirth, a fashion statement no longer monopolized by creepy middle-aged men driving windowless vans.
All-Pro wide receiver Wes Welker can speak to the rise of the 'stache. He was asked in the Patriots locker room on Thursday what was growing on his upper lip.
"Thatâs mustache," Welker explained, according to the Boston Herald. "I think some people have come up with names, but I donât know. We havenât come up with one yet. It seems to give you power, especially late in the season. So, Iâve been feeling it this week, and hopefully it carries through to Saturday."
Welker said he has grown the lip dressing in the name of charity. People who donate to the Wes Welker Foundation can get a T-shirt that reads, "Catching Passes & Growing Staches!"
âThe Twitter followers, theyâve been posting their picks of their âstaches with me,â Welker said. âHopefully at Gillette, itâll be be âstached out and ready to go for the game."
Gillette is helping to grant Welker his wish. Fans attending Saturday's divisional playoff game against the Broncos can print out an instant mustache of their own.
We can't recall the bushy '90s goatee receiving this same regal treatment, but what can you do.
