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New York Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The NFL Draft is known for the custom suits. The evolution has been inevitable
Between Michael Strahan's hosting roles on 'Good Morning America' and 'Fox NFL Sunday,' it's common to see him in a tailored suit. But 32 years ago, while preparing for the 1993 NFL Draft, a suit wasn't on Strahan's to-do list. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and former New York Giants star defensive end recalls his draft attire: jeans and a T-shirt — a comfortable vibe more fitting because he was at his uncle's house watching the draft and not at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown Manhattan. Advertisement Strahan has evolved enough in fashion that he now has his own line of suits. As he has evolved, so, too, has the look and style of players on draft day. A basic suit won't cut it these days for some prospects. Thousands of dollars are invested in a draft-day look that might never be seen again. The 2025 draft starts Thursday evening, and the football world will see custom-made suits with the sole purpose of showcasing some athletes' style at Lambeau Field. Strahan said today's players are a lot different when it comes to the draft than they were when he came out of Texas Southern. If they plan to attend the event, they do so with inspiration and a sense of style that players of his era did not have. 'We didn't go to fashion shows in Paris,' Strahan said of players from the early 1990s. 'Guys take more risks and show more individuality now.' Sixteen prospects were invited to Green Bay, Wis., to attend the draft in person, meaning there are potentially 16 opportunities for an impression to be made by a player walking on the stage to shake hands with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and put on the cap of the team that drafts him. With a sense of style often comes distinctiveness, and according to Strahan, distinctiveness is not cheap. For a custom suit by a top designer, players can expect to spend in excess of $2,500. Add in shoes and accessories like custom jewelry, and Strahan said players can easily spend $10,000 for an ensemble that probably will not be worn again. Some players opt for colorful looks. A personal message or recognizing one's high school or college on the lining of the suit jacket is common. 'There are certain guys who can pull certain things off. There are certain guys trying to pull things off,' Strahan said. 'It's not like it's a plug-and-play. If you're a big guy that wants to wear skinny jeans, knock yourself out.' Tom Marchitelli is a custom designer for Gentleman's Playbook and has designed suits for NFL players for 11 years. He designed Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold's suit for the 2023 draft. It was a bold look: a one-of-a-kind salmon, silk-print suit. Sneak peak at Terrion Arnold's suit for the #NFLDraft 👀 Electric salmon silk print custom designed by yours truly. #LANK #NFLDraft2024 @AlabamaFTBL — Gentleman's Playbook (@GentsPlaybook) April 25, 2024 Marchitelli believes the draft is a player's chance to make a memorable first impression. 'Honestly, I think it's ridiculous for a player to ask for a suit that they could wear more than once, especially on draft day,' Marchitelli said. 'They're gonna have the opportunity to get other suits. If a client is looking for just a navy suit they can wear three times, they're not gonna pay my prices and have me fly out twice to have that done, right?' Advertisement Not everyone, however, goes for flash. Ge Wang, founder and president of ESQ Clothing, likened the draft suit to one for a wedding, as it's 'the most important day of your life.' Wang has done suits for NBA and NFL players. He said these days he only works with draft picks if he has a relationship with them. This year, ESQ has a suit planned for a previous client. Notre Dame cornerback Ben Morrison is expected to wear a new suit either when he's drafted or at his introductory news conference. A post shared by ESQ (@esqclothing) 'For us, it's always, 'Stand out but, like, in a classic way,'' Wang said. 'The first thing we tell someone for the draft is LeBron James' draft suit or Joakim Noah's draft suit, those get remembered, but for all the wrong reasons. So, we tell them, 'Stick with simple, stick with classic. … You might get on the best-dressed list, but you don't want to be on the worst-dressed list.'' Strahan said Josh Allen and Minkah Fitzpatrick wore his line of suits for the 2018 draft. When Ezekiel Elliott ditched the draft-day cropped-shirt look, he wore a Strahan-designed suit the following day. Strahan said he favors a classic look but doesn't judge young players and their style. 'We always try to make it something personal that they feel attached to,' he said. A post shared by Minkah Fitzpatrick Jr. (@fittypat21) But not everyone on draft day is shelling out a lot of money for a custom suit. Some players or their representatives reach out to tailors and clothiers for a free suit in exchange for publicity. That practice is why Wang has gotten away from the draft suit game. The looks might make the rounds on social media, but they aren't setting a standard for the majority of those buying custom suits. 'These guys that are professional athletes, especially rookies, often think their worth is a lot more than it actually is,' Wang said. 'Our average suit is $3,500. My clients honestly don't really care what a 22-year-old is wearing. … If Bradley Cooper's wearing it, if Tom Cruise is wearing it, that's different. But (the draft pick), I'm sorry, but you're not moving the needle — at least for our industry.' Advertisement Marchitelli said he's approached every year about making a suit for free for a player before the draft. With a clientele that includes several current NFL, NBA and MLB stars who already share his work on social media, he doesn't need the free press of someone wearing a suit they did not pay for. Marchitelli said clients usually pay $3,000 to $4,000 per suit and often purchase multiple suits. 'I've learned it's OK to say no because I know my value and my worth, that's for sure,' Marchitelli said. 'It is the agents who reach out and ask for the freebie; it's not the players. So when an agent reaches out and says, 'Will you dress my guy?' I'll say, 'Sure, tell them what suit prices are,' and they'll say, 'Well, no, can it be a promotional post?'' Additionally, some athletes, especially linemen, can have a hard time finding a suit that fits properly. Marchitelli said there's a pride in seeing a bigger player in a suit that fits well, one with the kind of stretch needed to be worn during physical activities and not tear. Wang said some of the more expensive brands come with big price tags but aren't necessarily made with athletes in mind. That isn't as much of a problem for basketball players, who tend to have slender builds, but it's an issue for the varying body types in football. 'Fit is everything,' Weng said. 'We have seen this trend starting in the 2010s of everything being comically too small. Luckily, now we're at a phase where suits are starting to look good again.' The NFL Draft, of course, is just the start of someone's career. Strahan said for all the flash and style, it's still about being welcomed into the league for anyone who has the opportunity to walk on stage. 'I remember the moment more than anyone's individual suit,' Strahan said.
USA Today
21-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Buc Rob Gronkowkski shares his thoughts on Tom Brady as a broadcaster
Former Buc Rob Gronkowkski shares his thoughts on Tom Brady as a broadcaster Former Bucs Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady came to Tampa Bay with chips on their shoulders and something to prove. After some growing pains with their new team, they found momentum and it led to them securing a Super Bowl victory. Fast-forward a couple of years, and both men are embarking on media careers. Gronkowski recently spoke to On3 and shared his thoughts on his former quarterback and how he is doing in his new role. 'He's doing an excellent job and I'm so proud of him. He has definitely improved as well since his first couple games, which is understandable. I mean, it's such a tough job to do, there's so much pressure on you. You never called a game ever, for that long in your life, to be up in that booth and break down plays like that." Gronkowski also had his fair share of struggles starting in his media career. In recent years, however, he has shown that he meshes better over time with his Fox NFL Sunday co-hosts and analysts. The future Hall of Fame tight end knows that will happen with Brady as well. 'But you get better as you go on, and that's all… I expect nothing less from Tom Brady as well, to get better, because he loves to practice good habits, he loves to get better, he'll do anything it takes to get better," Gronkowski said. "And just to see his improvement from week one to where he is in the playoffs now, is just tremendous, didn't expect anything less. And he's doing such a great job in the playoffs, it's like he's a veteran now.' Brady will be coming off calling the Super Bowl in February when the league starts broadcasting games in the preseason. If Tom Brady has shown us anything, time is his friend both on and off the field, that includes his broadcasting career.
CNN
04-03-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Jimmy Johnson retires from Fox Sports after being a face of its NFL coverage for most of 3 decades
Jimmy Johnson, the Pro Football Hall of Fame coach who won two Super Bowls and a college national championship, announced his retirement from Fox Sports on Monday after being part of its NFL coverage for most of the network's 31 years. The 81-year-old Johnson made the announcement during an appearance on 'The Herd With Colin Cowherd.' 'The most fun I ever had in my career, that's counting Super Bowls and national championships, was at Fox Sports,' he said, adding that he loved working for CEO Eric Shanks and Fox NFL Sunday producer Bill Richards. 'But I've made an extremely difficult decision,' he said. 'I've been thinking about it for the last four or five years and I've decided to retire from Fox. I'm going to miss it. I'm going to miss all the guys. I'll see them occasionally. It's been a great run starting 31 years ago.' Johnson worked alongside hosts Curt Menefee and Terry Bradshaw and analysts Howie Long and Michael Strahan. Johnson did two stints with Fox totaling 25 years. He was hired for the pregame show in 1994 and spent two seasons before leaving to become the general manager and head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 1996. Johnson was with the Dolphins for five seasons and returned to Fox in 2002. 'Jimmy Johnson was there when Fox NFL Sunday came on-air for the first time 31 years ago, and since then has been a cherished member of our Fox Sports family, which makes today's retirement news bittersweet,' Shanks said in a statement posted to social media. 'Jimmy served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight and signature humor.' Johnson made the cross-country trip weekly during the season for many years from his home in Key West, Florida, to Los Angeles. In recent seasons, he would only travel to Los Angeles for the Sundays when Fox had a doubleheader and would work the other weeks from home. 'We caught lightning in a bottle. Chemistry is hard to forecast and duplicate. We came out of the gate at number one and it's been that way for 31 years,' Long said Monday by phone. 'We've grown to love one another. And the thing I go back to is what I said to him as he were walking off the field (at the Super Bowl). I've never seen him this happy.' Menefee said Johnson informed him last week about his decision. Menefee added that two years ago the crew had what was thought to be a going-away dinner for Johnson in Los Angeles at the end of the season, but that Johnson later opted to return. 'The reason he did decide to come back before was because there was a hesitation. This time he was 100 percent confident that this is the right thing for him to do at this time and with his family,' Menefee said by phone. 'I think we all hope we get to go out into the sunset the way that we want, and he certainly has been able to do that.' Johnson won Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1992 and '93 seasons and the college football national championship with Miami in 1987. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Menefee said the announcement of Johnson's induction during halftime of an NFC divisional-round game in January 2020 remains one of the top moments since Fox Sports began carrying the NFL in 1994. 'I don't think there's anything that we have done in the 31 years of Fox Sports has been remotely close to that because I think not only did it mean so much to Jimmy, you saw how much it meant to the people who care about Jimmy,' Menefee said. 'I think everything that Fox Sports is got encapsulated in that one moment for the whole world to see.' Johnson coached the Cowboys for five seasons, stepping down after winning his second Lombardi Trophy, and three months later was hired by Fox as a pregame show analyst. Johnson's split with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was acrimonious, and it wasn't until December 30, 2023, that Jones put Johnson in the team's ring of honor. Johnson and Tom Landry are the only coaches alongside the 19 players and two executives in the exclusive group of one of the NFL's storied franchises. Johnson's coaching career started in 1965 as an assistant at Louisiana Tech, Bradshaw's alma mater. He became a head coach for the first time in 1979, at Oklahoma State, and left after five years for Miami, where he went 52-9 with two No. 2 finishes to go with his 1987 title. 'It has been 17 seasons of fun and laughs sitting next to you,' Strahan posted on X. 'You're truly one of a kind and thanks for being you and gifting me with one of the best friendships anyone could ever ask for. Hope you enjoy fishing and drinking beers on the boat. You deserve it, love you Coach!' Johnson reposted Strahan's well wishes and added a message: 'Michael, going to miss sitting next to you but I'll be watching.'
USA Today
04-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jerry Jones congratulates retiring Jimmy Johnson: 'You will always be a winner!'
Jerry Jones congratulates retiring Jimmy Johnson: 'You will always be a winner!' Show Caption Hide Caption 'This is as big of a risk as you can take': Jerry Jones on Brian Schottenheimer hire Dallas Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones speaks to the media for the first time since hiring Brian Schottenheimer as the team's new head coach. Sports Seriously Jimmy Johnson announced his retirement from "Fox NFL Sunday" after 31 years as an analyst on the program. Many paid tribute to Johnson after the 81-year-old hung up the microphone. That included his former Arkansas teammate and boss, Jerry Jones. The Dallas Cowboys owner released a statement honoring Johnson, who spent five seasons as Dallas' head coach and led them to back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1993 and 1994. 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT: Titans land QB of the future, Patriots get Travis Hunter "From the time we were in college until the time we were holding up those Super Bowl trophies, I knew Jimmy Johnson could be anything he wanted to be, and he has," Jones said. "Some of the most exciting times in my life I shared with Jimmy, and I cherish them. "As one of the most gifted people I've ever been around, Jimmy has blazed a remarkable, unique trail that is now deeply embedded into football and broadcasting history," he added. "Congratulations on your incredible career Jimmy, and I wish you well in your fourth quarter my friend. You will always be a winner!" Johnson posted a 44-36 record in his five seasons with the Cowboys and led them to two of the franchise's five Super Bowl wins. However, his relationship with Jones soured after Dallas' second title, as the two engaged in a power struggle for control over Dallas' football operations. That ultimately led them to part ways just months after winning the Super Bowl. The relationship between the two men remained frosty for decades before finally thawing in 2023, when Jones finally inducted Johnson into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. BELL: Jerry Jones, Jimmy Johnson finally get it right in setting beef aside for Cowboys' celebration If Jones' statement is any indication, the Hall of Fame octogenarians appear to remain on good terms.
CNN
04-03-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Jimmy Johnson retires from Fox Sports after being a face of its NFL coverage for most of 3 decades
Jimmy Johnson, the Pro Football Hall of Fame coach who won two Super Bowls and a college national championship, announced his retirement from Fox Sports on Monday after being part of its NFL coverage for most of the network's 31 years. The 81-year-old Johnson made the announcement during an appearance on 'The Herd With Colin Cowherd.' 'The most fun I ever had in my career, that's counting Super Bowls and national championships, was at Fox Sports,' he said, adding that he loved working for CEO Eric Shanks and Fox NFL Sunday producer Bill Richards. 'But I've made an extremely difficult decision,' he said. 'I've been thinking about it for the last four or five years and I've decided to retire from Fox. I'm going to miss it. I'm going to miss all the guys. I'll see them occasionally. It's been a great run starting 31 years ago.' Johnson worked alongside hosts Curt Menefee and Terry Bradshaw and analysts Howie Long and Michael Strahan. Johnson did two stints with Fox totaling 25 years. He was hired for the pregame show in 1994 and spent two seasons before leaving to become the general manager and head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 1996. Johnson was with the Dolphins for five seasons and returned to Fox in 2002. 'Jimmy Johnson was there when Fox NFL Sunday came on-air for the first time 31 years ago, and since then has been a cherished member of our Fox Sports family, which makes today's retirement news bittersweet,' Shanks said in a statement posted to social media. 'Jimmy served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight and signature humor.' Johnson made the cross-country trip weekly during the season for many years from his home in Key West, Florida, to Los Angeles. In recent seasons, he would only travel to Los Angeles for the Sundays when Fox had a doubleheader and would work the other weeks from home. 'We caught lightning in a bottle. Chemistry is hard to forecast and duplicate. We came out of the gate at number one and it's been that way for 31 years,' Long said Monday by phone. 'We've grown to love one another. And the thing I go back to is what I said to him as he were walking off the field (at the Super Bowl). I've never seen him this happy.' Menefee said Johnson informed him last week about his decision. Menefee added that two years ago the crew had what was thought to be a going-away dinner for Johnson in Los Angeles at the end of the season, but that Johnson later opted to return. 'The reason he did decide to come back before was because there was a hesitation. This time he was 100 percent confident that this is the right thing for him to do at this time and with his family,' Menefee said by phone. 'I think we all hope we get to go out into the sunset the way that we want, and he certainly has been able to do that.' Johnson won Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1992 and '93 seasons and the college football national championship with Miami in 1987. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Menefee said the announcement of Johnson's induction during halftime of an NFC divisional-round game in January 2020 remains one of the top moments since Fox Sports began carrying the NFL in 1994. 'I don't think there's anything that we have done in the 31 years of Fox Sports has been remotely close to that because I think not only did it mean so much to Jimmy, you saw how much it meant to the people who care about Jimmy,' Menefee said. 'I think everything that Fox Sports is got encapsulated in that one moment for the whole world to see.' Johnson coached the Cowboys for five seasons, stepping down after winning his second Lombardi Trophy, and three months later was hired by Fox as a pregame show analyst. Johnson's split with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was acrimonious, and it wasn't until December 30, 2023, that Jones put Johnson in the team's ring of honor. Johnson and Tom Landry are the only coaches alongside the 19 players and two executives in the exclusive group of one of the NFL's storied franchises. Johnson's coaching career started in 1965 as an assistant at Louisiana Tech, Bradshaw's alma mater. He became a head coach for the first time in 1979, at Oklahoma State, and left after five years for Miami, where he went 52-9 with two No. 2 finishes to go with his 1987 title. 'It has been 17 seasons of fun and laughs sitting next to you,' Strahan posted on X. 'You're truly one of a kind and thanks for being you and gifting me with one of the best friendships anyone could ever ask for. Hope you enjoy fishing and drinking beers on the boat. You deserve it, love you Coach!' Johnson reposted Strahan's well wishes and added a message: 'Michael, going to miss sitting next to you but I'll be watching.'
