Is there a connection between facial hair and NFL success?

Scientific studies have shown a link between facial symmetry and athleticism, but what about facial hair and NFL success?

DirecTV went through every NFL team from 2014 and broke down player statistics depending on their facial grooming proclivities.

Only 19% of NFL players were clean-shaven, with quarterbacks leading the way at 44%. In fact, clean-shaven QBs have a passer rating of 92.7, while bearded QBs were at 85.7.

13% of NFL players rocked a moustache and tight ends appeared to benefit the most from having one, collecting 55 catches and 559 yards, the most of any style.

The most sacks and forced fumbles, on average, came from linebackers with a beard. That might make sense, considering a study from the journal Behavioral Ecology found some correlation between men with beards and aggressiveness.

The 49ers had the highest percentage of goatees on their team with 36% while Kansas City led the league in neck beards with 12%.

Given Andrew Luck’s early season stuggles, perhaps it’s time to seek out a razor.