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- Several past and present NFL figures attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
- Many NFL stars opted for simpler, more casual outfits compared to typical Derby fashion.
- Eagles player Cooper DeJean attended with a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
The fashion police presence at the Kentucky Derby is always overwhelming.
It’s one of the last remaining sporting events where the dress code means something, even in a world where the standards have never been lower. Travelers wear pajamas to airports and retail stores. NBA coaches no longer sport suits on the sidelines.
The world used to be filled with the mantra, “no shirt, no shoes, no service.” Now, you might be impressed if someone is wearing a shirt and shoes.
However, appearances matter at the Kentucky Derby. A “who’s who” of stars from countless industries, Derby Day is a chance for everyone to stand out from the rest. Except that didn’t appear to be the case in 2026 – at least for the NFL-affiliated group.
The football stars, past and present, opted for simpler outfits this year, but was it a hit or a miss? We’ll let you be the judge.
Here’s a look at the NFL stars who made the trip to Churchill Downs.
NFL players at the Kentucky Derby
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Sometimes, simple is better. Rather than wear something gaudy that demands attention, Burrow showed up to the derby wearing a light pink suit that closely resembled cotton candy in color. Paired with a maroon fedora and a gray T-shirt, Burrow wasn’t doing the “look at me” thing ahead of the biggest horse racing event of the year.
The pink jacket was eventually removed, leaving just the gray shirt and that sent social media ablaze. Many were quick to jump on the quarterback for not rising to the occasion.
Burrow, who has been known to wear some wild outfits over the years, dropped the ball in comparison to the standard he set.
This is fine for a Miami yacht. Is it fine for a horse racing track in Kentucky?
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Dart had the look of someone who should be playing third base for the New York Yankees.
Considering the Giants quarterback is just a hop, skip and a jump from Yankee Stadium, it wouldn’t be shocking if Aaron Boone wrote him on the lineup card at some point. He just needs to trade in the white hat for the classic navy blue to complete the look.
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles
DeJean made headlines at the Kentucky Derby, but it wasn’t for his pale green suit. The Eagles defender was at the derby with Abby Summers, who is a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys.
In some sort of modern-day twist to “Romeo and Juliet,” the duo’s outfits combined to give off a garden vibe.
Rob Gronkowski
Gronk hasn’t faded from the spotlight following his retirement from the NFL. If anything, the former Patriots and Buccaneers tight end is more popular now than he ever was before.
However, it’s unclear whether Gronk was dressed for the Kentucky Derby or a golf outing.
Bill Belichick
Belichick might be in the college ranks now, but he’ll always be remembered for his time in the NFL. The eventual Hall of Fame coach traded in the old hoodie for something that looks like a gender reveal.
He wore a light blue jacket, pink shirt, pink tie and navy pants. The look matched nicely with his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, who was wearing a flowery dress with the same colors.
