Across the league, NFL players are taking an interest in fashion for the first time in decades. The Wall Street Journal put it simply: “NFL players are finally competing with their NBA counterparts on the fashion front.”
For example: Cam Newton loves hats. And though they don’t stop him from saying sexist remarks like he did during a press conference last month, they definitely make the after-game talks more interesting. Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor has also steeping it up by donning three-piece suits, and it seems like the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott and the Philadelphia Eagles’ safety Malcolm Jenkins are in an unspoken war over who can wear the best bow tie, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Players are showing up to the stadium or making off-field appearances much more fashionable. According to the Wall Street Journal, Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver Brice Butler hired Kesha McLeod two weeks ago. She is a New York-based stylist who works with NBA players, such as James Harden of the Houston Rockets, and gives style advice. According to McLeod, Butler wanted to “sit down and see how he could capitalize on the same exposure James Harden was getting,” reports the Wall Street Journal.
The NBA has been doing the stylish “tunnel walk” — a platform for the players to raise their star profile through fashion — for years now. Oklahoma City Thunder’s star point guard Russell Westbrook has worked with Barney, Byredo and Tumi, reports the Wall Street Journal. Harden, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony have been seen sitting at the front row of fashion week. They want to be seen, and they want to be written about.
The NFL teams are much larger, and players only take the field once a week. The Wall Street Journal writes that they are just now learning to use style to their advantage. Of course, not everyone is hopping on board. Trevor Siemian, the Denver Broncos’ quarterback, went to the podium in a T-shirt and gym shorts, and no shoes, after losing to the Giants.
Check out some of the fashion statements below.
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