Is this Rockford man’s mullet the ‘greatest of all time’?

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – It may no longer be accurate to say, “business in front and party in the back,” when it comes to a certain hairstyle.

For one Rockford man, everything about his mullet is a good time. But there is a bit of business involved as he vies to be the mullet champion of the United States.

“I am going for the gold,” said Morgan Earp, who is currently competing in the USA Mullet Championships.

Earp hoped to enter the 2023 contest but he was too late. But, that gave him another year to up his game. He’s now hoping to walk away a huge winner in 2024.

“I just submitted my application, and I guess the USA Mullet Championship coordinator, whoever is charge of their promotions, posted my picture on their website as a promotional,” Earp said. “So, that kind of what got the fire lit under to really go head-first into this thing.”

There are three rounds to the virtual contest. If he survives all three, Earp will be a crowned national champion on Aug. 28. As the champ, he’d receive a cash prize of $5,000, a championship belt and a GoPro camera.

“The mullet is back and better than ever, in my opinion,” he said. “We’ve got plenty of people out there sporting it, and the greatest thing about it is it’s a universal haircut, which means anyone can have one and feel great wearing one.”

Earp’s legendary flow did not happen overnight. It took him about four years. That’s why he says a mullet is more than just a haircut.

“I am a welder by trade, musician is my hobby, but mullet is my life,” he said.

Earp’s co-workers at Co-Lin Metals in Rockford are just as passionate about his locks as he is and are behind him all the way.

“I think it’s great, me being his coworker and that,” said fellow welder Dennis Hodges. “I know he’s excited with this mullet competition, and I hope the best for him. I hope that he wins it.”

There are several variations of the mullet.

“I am going for the Johnny Bravo, ‘Hey, mama,’ switched with Judas Priest-Rob Halford from the ‘80s,” Earp said.

To vote for Morgan, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.