The holidays are in full swing and the NFL’s brightest stars are celebrating in style. As Week 17 kicks off, players from the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers are making bold fashion statements with their festive pregame fits. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and these gridiron greats are dressing the part.
Tis the Season for Eye-Catching Outfits
While the action on the field is the main attraction, the parade of player arrivals has become a must-see event of its own. And this Christmas, the creativity is on full display as athletes swap their typical designer threads for holiday-inspired getups.
Steelers offensive lineman Max Scharping stole the show, channeling his inner Buddy the Elf in a head-to-toe costume complete with pointy hat and bells. Not to be outdone, Chiefs linebacker Darius Harris arrived in full Santa regalia, beard and all. The holiday cheer was contagious as teammates on both sides got into the spirit.
From Ugly Sweaters to Coordinated Christmas Fits
The fashion fun didn’t stop with Kris Kringle cosplay. Chiefs tight end Jody Fortson sported a gloriously gaudy Christmas sweater adorned with actual jingling bells. Steelers wide receiver George Pickens kept it classy in a red and green plaid suit with a perfect pop of gold.
Forget the catwalk – the Chiefs had a coordinated Christmas squad as Patrick Mahomes and company arrived in matching flannel shirts and Santa hats. Backup QB Shane Buechele even had his fluffy Goldendoodle pup, Winchester, decked out in Chiefs colors and a miniature Santa cap. Now that’s commitment to a theme!
These fits sleighed.
Kansas City Chiefs Twitter
All About the Accessories
It’s the little touches that really elevated these ensembles. Steelers star T.J. Watt carried a classic red Santa bag, no doubt filled with metaphorical sacks for the opposition. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker toted a candy cane almost as tall as he is. Butker’s teammate, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, showed his sweet side by handing out candy to fans and media members.
The spirit of holiday giving was in the air as rivals became Saint Nicks. Before kickoff, a group of Steelers and Chiefs met at midfield to exchange small gift boxes. Even in the heat of late-season competition, these athletes took a moment to embrace the season of generosity.
More Than Just a Fashion Show
While the light-hearted runway show makes for great social media fodder, there’s a deeper meaning behind the merriment. For players, the chance to express themselves through style is a welcome opportunity to showcase their personalities off the field. In a league where helmets and uniforms can obscure individuality, the pregame catwalk has become a form of self-expression.
Moreover, these Yuletide outfits send a message about joy and unity. At a time when so much focus is on the scoreboard, this is a reminder of the childlike wonder and shared humanity that sports can inspire, regardless of rivalries. It’s a chance for fans to see a more playful, relatable side of their larger-than-life heroes.
The Ultimate Gameday Flex
In the end, isn’t elite fashion just another kind of flex? These athletes spend all week showcasing their peak physiques and finely tuned skills. Gameday style is one more arena to exhibit their creativity, charisma and flair for the dramatic.
From the runway to the red zone, it’s all about making a statement. If you’re going to show up and show out, you might as well do it big.
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
So while some may write this off as mere spectacle, don’t underestimate the power of fashion to reveal character, ignite joy, and unite both teams and fans. When the pressure’s on and the stage is biggest, that’s when the true stars shine bright enough to guide a sleigh.
Here’s to a happy holiday for one and all – and props to the Chiefs and Steelers for making the nice list with their winning style. May their festive outfits be a gift that keeps on giving, all the way through the New Year and beyond!
