The first battle NFL players take on starts before their cleats even touch the grass.
In fact, it begins even before they put their cleats on, when they are still arriving for the game -- hoping to show off their passion for fashion with compelling tunnel fits.
As Hall of Famer Deion Sanders once said: "Look good, feel good, play good."
"When I put on a fire fit, I tell myself it's time to turn up. We are going to have a day," Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu told me for a story in February. "I like to be recognized as one of the best dressed. Your fits gotta match your play. I take pride in being fly."
After every week of games in the 2025 NFL season, myself and a panel of fellow fashion-minded observers will present the five flashiest game-day fits -- from Thursday through Monday night -- that caught our eye. And then we'll crown the best of that crowd. Welcome to The Fit Files: NFL's Five Best-Dressed.
In Week 1, as you'll see below, we actually ended up with co-winners who happen to be separated by 150 pounds. The tie is a clear sign that fashion can work in any shape, size, color or taste.
Before we dig into the list, get to know our panel:
Terron Armstead -- Former five-time Pro Bowl left tackle for the Saints and Dolphins (2013-2024); currently hosts The Set podcast on YouTube bi-weekly on Monday/Thursday night.
- Fashion vision: Fashion is our daily "first impression." It's our non-verbal expression, so I use it as the first line of communication.
Jamie Erdahl -- Host of Good Morning Football on NFL Network and the nationally syndicated show GMFB OT.
- Fashion vision: Designer sweatshirts take the cake.
Jason McCourty -- Super Bowl champion and former cornerback for the Titans, Browns, Patriots and Dolphins (2009-2021); current ESPN studio analyst/CBS game analyst.
- Fashion vision: Fashion is confidence, and confidence is a stain you can't wipe off!
Chad Johnson -- Custom clothier and designer for Duane & Johnson menswear tailoring.
- Fashion vision: Where style outlives the season -- fashion, to me, is making today timeless.
And finally, I am a national TV reporter for NFL Network, and my fashion vision is: Dress how you want to be addressed and wear what helps you exude, "I'm HIM."
A NOTE ON METHODOLOGY: Panelists voted on a list of fits shown off before games from Thursday through Monday, with five points being assigned to each first-place vote, four-points being assigned to each second-place vote, and so on.
T-1) DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Points: 13
"When it comes to suits, ain't nobody close to me," Smith told me at the Super Bowl, and the receiver stood on business in Week 1 with a bespoke cream multi-stripe suit and wide brim Navy fedora from his long-time tailor, Brian Alexander. It was the quality and fit of the piece that helped him claim a share of the throne alongside the player below for best dressed.
McCourty, who voted Smith in first place, said, "If he does one squat. It won't fit anymore. Tailored to a T!"
Erdahl added: "The man doesn't miss. I fear he's too fancy every week. I'm unsure what the end game is if they win another Super Bowl. A moon suit?"
T-1) Laremy Tunsil, LT, Washington Commanders
Points: 13
Tunsil has become the face of NFL fashion for 300-pounders. He simply puts it on, displaying an eye-opening diversity of looks. His Week 1 fit features a red Aimé Leon Dore Porsche jacket that steals the show. Tunsil flows with the confidence of a man who knows he's got the game on lock -- whether via his outfit or his pass-rush assignment.
Johnson said "the fit overall for him fits his frame; it's difficult for guys his size to find pieces that fit him the way they should while embracing his own personal style."
Armstead, a former O-lineman himself who voted Tunsil No. 1, gave a big hat tip to Tunsil for making big-guy fashion look so good while matching his personality.
3) Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Points: 8
Jay-Z once said, "It's mauve," and Richardson heard him clearly. Richardson might have lost his starting QB job to Daniel Jones, but he did not sit behind anyone on the depth chart with his fashion game in Week 1, not with this hidden monochromatic two-button double-breasted suit from stylist Pharoah Kirk (who, full disclosure, also styles me).
Erdahl: "He may be a dynamic quarterback, but the MONOTONE blush link is MVP for me."
McCourty: "Simple but exclusive. No lapels."
4) Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Points: 6
Johnson, who ranked Kelce first, was very impressed with Kelce's KidSuper suit, citing "the contrast stitching that mimics the baste stitching by us tailors to hold the garment together before the final fitting."
5) Moro Ojomo, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Erdahl gave Ojomo the No. 1 spot on her rankings, noting, "There is NOTHING more versatile and trustworthy than a Canadian tuxedo. And that's how the Eagles are built. Versatile and trustworthy."
Others to receive votes: Justin Jefferson (4 points), Malachi Moore (4 points), Kyler Murray (4 points), Quincy Williams (4 points), Jaxson Dart (3 points), Grant Delpit (3 points), Gervon Dexter Sr. (3 points), Tyrod Taylor (3 points), Ray-Ray McCloud III (3 points), C.J. Stroud (2 points), Eric Murray (1 point), Derwin James (1 point).
