Cincinnati Bengals star Rueben Bain Jr. loves to play football. And that’s all he wants you to know about his relaxation ideas.
While other players might prefer to play another sport, play video games, or stream their real-world events, Bain Jr. seemingly has no hobbies outside his professional craft. Beyond his personal admission, fans quickly noticed that Bain Jr. thought so highly of the sport that he forgot to look the part ahead of his Combine appearance.
Rueben Bain Jr. Goes Viral for Skipping Haircut for Combine Appearance
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (DL32) on the SiriusXM NFL Radio set during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (DL32) on the SiriusXM NFL Radio set during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL draft defensive prospect revealed his pastime preference to media members on Wednesday afternoon during the NFL Scouting Combine. Apart from eating and sleeping, the prospect claimed no other favorite hobby than football.
Considering he’s likely on course to get drafted by the Bengals, Cincinnati might as well celebrate a perfect match in Bain Jr. The athlete’s traits seem to align with the qualities the Director of player personnel publicly confirmed he’s looking for.When asked earlier in the week about his idea of the most important trait for a draft hopeful, the no. 1 trait Tobin called was to “love football.” The Bengals want athletes who enjoy playing football, rather than the proceeds from the sport.
According to Tobin, the franchise only wants a player who can stick to the sport despite unpleasant career outcomes. For the franchise, building is feasible with players who genuinely love the sport.
Fortunately, Bain Jr. seemingly nailed the relevant portion of the interview that touched on his love for the game. Beyond his comments, fans quickly noticed he skipped getting a haircut ahead of the combine. That omission, among many other things, might just further affirm his exclusive pastime loyalty to football.
Sharing a viral clip from Bain Jr.’s Combine interview, an X accountposted:
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Miami star DE Rueben Bain Jr. has gone viral for not getting a haircut for the NFL combine or interviews.
“I eat, sleep & breathe football. That’s all I do. I don’t have any other hobbies.”
Bain is the ultimate football guy 👏 pic.twitter.com/iM29KVnfr6
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 26, 2026
“𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Miami star DE Rueben Bain Jr. has gone viral for not getting a haircut for the NFL combine or interviews.
“I eat, sleep & breathe football. That’s all I do. I don’t have any other hobbies.”
Bain is the ultimate football guy 👏”
Tobin clarified he wants to bolster Cincinnati’s pass rush this offseason, bettering their defense to new levels. And as long as they feel comfortable with the tape and Bain Jr. as a football freak, he could turn out a top pick for the NFL side.