A New Era of Athletes as Style Icons

Joe Burrow, the 28-year-old quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is known for his on-field prowess, but it’s his off-field style that has gained him a reputation as one of the most fashion-forward athletes in the NFL. Burrow’s sense of style is a fusion of bold, fun, and sometimes oddball outfits that have made him a standout in the sports world.

“I wake up, feel the color, and find the fit that matches what I’m looking for,” Burrow says, describing his approach to fashion. “My sense of style varies day-to-day. I don’t really label it, I just go with what feels right.”

Burrow’s style is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about expressing his personality and individuality. He has a long history of experimenting with different looks, from knitted hoodies to weighty black leather jackets from luxury Italian label Bottega Veneta. His love of color and pattern is evident in his wardrobe, which often features bold, eye-catching combinations.

One of Burrow’s signature looks is his Cartier sunglasses, which have become a staple in his wardrobe. He first wore them in a 2022 Instagram post, and they have since become a fan favorite. Burrow’s style is not just about personal expression; it’s also about attracting new fans and building a larger audience.

“I think the younger crowd is very into it,” Burrow says. “I also think different styles bring a different demographic to the game. I think more young women, or people who might not have known or cared about football at all beforehand, are paying attention to what people are wearing in the tunnel. Maybe they see somebody wearing a Gucci fit into the game, and they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s pretty cool, who’s that?’ And then they start paying attention.”

The intersection of fashion and sports is a growing trend, with major fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Prada partnering with athletes and teams. Burrow has a partnership with Alo, the premium athletic apparel brand, and has also consulted with the brand on custom pieces.

“I think athletes are dominating the culture now,” says Anna Wintour, the chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue. “They’re our heroes, our role models, and they define what’s relevant. I think it’s because there’s nothing that can compete with the excitement of live sports. And athletes often have the confidence to step into different worlds—out of their comfort zones sometimes.”

While some fans may see Burrow’s style as a distraction from his on-field performance, he remains unfazed. “If I’m comfortable, if I feel good, then, I like it,” he says with a shrug.

For Burrow, the intersection of fashion and sports is a natural one. “They operate in completely different worlds, but designers and athletes… we’re both artists in our own ways,” he says. “Theirs is with clothes, ours is with our bodies. There’s a lot of creativity in what we do. It’s definitely different realms, but there are very creative people in both. It feels like a natural merging.”

As the NFL continues to evolve, it’s clear that athletes like Joe Burrow will play a major role in shaping the future of fashion and sports.