Meet the man giving haircuts to both IU and Miami players before national title

MIAMI (WISH) — The Players Lounge Barbershop here in South Florida is a staple when it comes to getting an elite haircut.

And come this weekend some IU Football players will get a little taste of these talented barbers.

Steven Rivera, the owner of the shop, and his team of 12 barbers have been contracted by the College Football Playoff to give haircuts to IU and Miami football players ahead of the national championship game on Monday night.

“When the CFP and the good people over there at Revere contacted me to be the barbershop that they want to get the guys ready for the natty, it was unbelievable,” Rivera said. “I called my mother and father and told ’em what was going on and they were super excited. Especially when I broke the news to the guys here they were all livid.”

And just like the Hoosiers hope to bring their best game on Monday night against the Canes, Rivera and his team are prepared to do the same, expecting to give haircuts to nearly 100 players between the two teams.

“Indiana’s getting six barbers with two braiders so anyone there that needs their locks done or braids done we got two women there that’ll take care of ’em,” Rivera said. “Jose will be leading the way for Indiana and I’ll be with the Miami Hurricanes so pretty much we got it all balanced out.”

It’s a pressure weekend for Rivera and his team, but he thrives on the big stage. His clientel...