Lifelong Friends Matt and Joey Bet on Football, Leading to Joey's New Bald Look

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Matt Powell and Joey Bennett, lifelong friends from Lewiston, Maine, have a long history of friendly bets and pranks, especially when it comes to their rival football teams - the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. This season, they made a bet that if the Colts ended up with a better record, Joey would have to shave his head in an "old man" style and keep it bald until July 4th. When the Colts lost every game after the bet was made, Joey lost and had to pay up, with Matt shaving his friend's head.

Why it matters

This story highlights the enduring friendship and playful rivalry between Matt and Joey, two Maine natives who have maintained their bond for over 30 years through good-natured bets and pranks, even when their favorite football teams are pitted against each other. It showcases how sports fandom can bring people together in a lighthearted way, despite rooting for opposing sides.

The details

Early in the 2026 NFL season, the Colts were sitting at 7-1 while the Patriots were 5-2. Matt and Joey, who have been best friends since childhood, made a bet - if the Colts ended up with a better record, Joey would have to shave his head in an "old man" style and keep it bald until July 4th. However, after the bet was made, the Colts went on a losing streak and finished the season worse than the Patriots. As per their agreement, Joey had to pay up, and Matt shaved his friend's head, leaving Joey with a completely bald look that he'll have to maintain for the next several months.

• Early in the 2026 NFL season, the Colts were 7-1 and the Patriots were 5-2.
• After the bet was made, the Colts never won another game that season.
• Matt shaved Joey's head immediately after the Colts' losing streak.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.