Tim Toone a.k.a. ‘Tarzan’

Tim Toone returns a punt for a 90-yard touchdown in the snow. (Photo Courtesy of Weber State)

Tim Toone, Mr. Irrelevant XXXV, says many people call him, “Tarzan,” because he’s  a white man with dreadlocks. People could also call him, “Samson,” because apparently Toone draws strength from his hair.

The Weber State wide receiver, who was picked dead last in the NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, has the hairdo because of superstition actually. He has worn his hair in dreadlocks since 2008.

During the 2007 season when the Wildcats played against Hawaii, Toone noticed the Warriors’ receivers all had the same hairdo. That’s right, they were all in dreadlocks.

After the season was over, Toone said he wanted the Weber State receivers to do the same thing. However, the receivers did not like the results, so they all shaved their heads. Except for Toone. He liked his new hairdo and decided to keep it.

He had a big year in 2008, followed by another in 2009 and believed it was because of the dreads. He left Weber State as the all-time leader in pass receptions (206), receiving yards (3,607) and touchdown catches (29).

“I had a great year in 2008 and I was really superstitious,” Toone said. “When the rest of the receivers shaved their heads, I was like, ‘Oh, thanks.’ But I kept them because I like them.”

He plans to keep the hairdo. But he did say if Detroit Lions Coach Jim Schwartz orders him to take on a clean-cut look and lose the dreads, he’ll do as the man says.

“I’ll ask him why at first,” Toone said. “But then I would do it.”

Aside from the hair, Toone does have some talent. He also has a raw, yet dynamic style when it comes to returning punts. He believes that’s why the Lions took a chance on him.

Toone plans to take advantage of the opportunity. He says he has been working all his life for this moment. He plans to contribute right away, as he is more mature than most NFL rookies.

Toone, a 25-year-old born on Valentine’s Day, spent two years in West Africa, serving a two-year mission for the church of Latter Day Saints.

He’s also athletic. He grew up in Peoria, Ariz., where he played football, soccer and baseball at Peoria High. He didn’t stop with the just one sport at Weber State, where he also competed in track and field.

Now he’s wanting to make a run for the NFL. At 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Toone says he’s heard some make comparisons of his game to Wes Welker’s of the New England Patriots.

But there’s one way to tell those receivers apart. Just look for the guy with the dreads and you’ll know that’s Toone.