Over the last few years, NFL players have come to use the short walk into the stadium (the “tunnel walk”) as a personal runway—donning archival pulls, luxury shoe choices best kept away from the turf, and leather bags even chicer than the pigskin. Their sudden fashion fluency has the Internet on fire, with users dissecting every move during this now-anticipated ritual. No one has a better POV than Kyle Smith, the league’s first fashion editor (and a 2025 CULT100 honoree), who landed in the football universe when Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrows tapped him for styling during Paris Fashion Week in June 2024. In less than two years he’s shaped the league into a sartorial force to be reckoned with.
As the Super Bowl hurtles toward us, Smith returned to CULTURED to offer his thoughts on the best tunnel walks of this past season. To see which looks scored a touchdown (sorry, had to), take a scroll before settling into the big game.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, Detroit Lions
“Not many men that are 6’3″ have an understanding of proportions the way that Al-Quadin does. The silhouette of this look makes it clear that he is a master of style.”
Mike Sainristil, Washington Commanders
“I actually have no words.”
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
“The orange. The swag. The Tabis! Your honor, I rest my case.”
Ray-Ray McCloud III, Free Agent
“I was just with Ray-Ray at fashion week, and a trend I noticed was dazzling embellishments that went way beyond the arts and crafts look. Ray-Ray had been doing that in the tunnel all along. Paris was just catching up to him.”
Kyler Gordon, Chicago Bears
“What caught my eye here is the way Kyler was holding his bag, just like the runway images from fashion week. And don’t get me started on the matching gloves. Chef’s kiss.”
Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts
“On its own, a chartreuse leather coat may seem overwhelming. But leave it to Kenny Moore to make it look cool and easy.”
Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears
“The coat is giving Tyler Durden [Brad Pitt’s character in Fight Club], and that’s enough for me.”
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
“Sometimes the best parts of an outfit are the small details. When you take a closer look and realize Ja’Marr’s belt is made of toy cars, you’ll understand why this look made the list.”
Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots
“One of the criteria I gave myself when building this list was a look’s impact and resonance. I know archival dressing is a hot topic for red carpet styling, but the way Stefon Diggs just casually wore a Chanel Fall/Winter 2001 hand warmer really put the haters to rest. Only an NFL athlete can take a fashion grail and make it this nonchalant.”
AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks
“When I was growing up, the kids that wore a long sleeve white shirt under a black graphic tee were so cool. AJ Barner is proving that’s still true.”
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