The importance of fashion for National Football League athletes has evolved over the past few years — as commentary around luxury brands, tunnel walks, and best dressed lists have become a standard part of the NFL discourse. As more and more athletes are aiming to gain influence in fashion, Kyle Smith is turning players’ dandy dreams — and his own — into reality. Smith joined the NFL in 2019 as a wardrobe assistant. He turned his passion for style into a full-time gig as a content strategist in 2021, after his Instagram, @playthelook, caught the eye of the sports league. Smith was then made the NFL’s first fashion editor in 2023. With a background in styling, Smith’s role puts players’ fashion center field as he works with players on their styling needs for red carpets, cover shoots, fashion shows, and award ceremonies. He also manages the NFL and NFL Style Instagram accounts, and uses NFL style content to bridge the gap between the NFL and its younger audience looking to copy their favorite players’ looks. Fashion and sports are an undeniable duo, and Smith is a vital player in continuing to foster the league’s relationship with football and fashion.