The NFL’s most cool relevant 11*
They’re fashion forward, they give back, they get social — and they play well too. From Kelce to Cohen to a world-famous asterisk, a look at these pros when they go off the grid.
The NFL’s most cool relevant Illustrations by Kervin Brisseaux
They’re fashion forward, they give back, they get social — and they play well too. From Kelce to Cohen to a world-famous asterisk, a look at these electrifying pros when they go off the grid.
Cole Beasley Swaggy swag vacation dad
Relevance
“Say hello to Mr. Slept-On,” is how Cole Beasley introduces himself in 80 Stings, a song from The Autobiography, his debut hip-hop album. Not even the addition of Amari Cooper can crush the confidence of this perpetual underdog. Undrafted and undersized, Texas native Beasley becomes a star for the Dallas Cowboys.
Dominance
Beasley’s best game of the year came against the toughest defensive backs he’d seen all season. You can bet the Jacksonville Jaguars won’t sleep on Beasley again after he went for two touchdowns and more than 100 yards.
Historic Swag
His “saucy feet” touchdown celebrations serve as a swaggy reminder that Beasley can give defensive backs the sauce.
Popularity
553k Instagram followers @bease11
He follows: The Rock, Alicia Keys, Mark Wahlberg
Follows him: Deion Sanders, Dez Bryant, Dak Prescott
I need r&b to go back to the Ginuwine days.
— Cole Beasley (@Bease11) December 15, 2018
Social Awareness
Beasley donates his time to youth coaching and also participated in a Dallas Cowboys garage sale in which one of the most sought-after items was his sofa.
Odell Beckham Jr. Future Metro BadBoy
Relevance
Odell Beckham Jr. doubles as the NFL’s No. 1 trendsetter and socialite. He loves a good lemon-yellow, double-breasted suit, Muhammad Ali quote T-shirts, silk rompers and selfies with celebrities. In fact, there’s no bigger NFL influence on Instagram (the most popular social network among males 18-24) than Beckham. His 12.2 million followers number more than those of any player, or team, in the league. Also: In 2017, Nike signed Beckham to the richest endorsement deal in NFL history.
Dominance
Through the first 50 games of his career, Beckham has put up Hall of Fame-caliber numbers. And he’s one of the rare energies in all of sports that is a threat to make once-in-a-lifetime plays every time he touches the ball. This tweet, too, proves his dominance.
Historic Swag
OVO Beckham’s one-handed catch on NBC Sunday Night Football is the play that introduced him to the world. But his flair for the spectacular goes back to LSU, where he turned touchbacks into highlights. His pregame routine, much like Stephen Curry’s in the NBA, have given fans reason to get to the game early, too.
Popularity
12 million-plus Instagram followers @obj
He follows: Drake, LeBron James, Tiffany Haddish
Follows him: Drake, Jarvis Landry, Donovan Mitchell
Show more love, less hate….
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) December 7, 2018
Social Awareness
In 2016, Baton Rouge native Beckham donated $500,000 from his jersey sales to help restore flood-damaged football fields in Louisiana.
Tarik Cohen HBCU homecoming ready
Relevance
Tarik Cohen’s confidence level — he’s 5 feet, 6 inches, 180 pounds — is on full display in his @TarikCohen Twitter feed. Often seen on his Instagram feed (bio: OVERlooked UNDERrated) in a designer hoodie and a diamond grill, the “Human Joystick” (so called because of his video gamelike moves) will go from making fun of himself to stuntin’ in a matter of a few tweets. And his Fortnite prowess is near professional.
Dominance
He’s listed as a running back, but “weapon” is more accurate — the Bears use him from the backfield and the slot. He even threw a 21-yard touchdown last season(!).
Historic Swag
May 2015 — Cohen, then a junior at N.C. A&T, posted a string of backflips culminating with him backflipping while catching a football in each hand. Bonus: This dance allusion to 2003’s Love Don’t Cost A Thing.
Popularity
130k Instagram followers @tarikcohen
He follows: Chief Keef, Fortnite, Saweetie
Following him: Lamar Jackson, Todd Gurley, Terrance West
HBCU MADE https://t.co/3QEofAvbtY
— Tarik Cohen (@TarikCohen) December 5, 2018
Social Awareness
At his summer youth football camp, he donated phys ed equipment to and spent time with kids at a tornado-damaged Greensboro, North Carolina, elementary school.
James Conner Haircut is not on the barbershop poster
Relevance
It’s always going to be “[Redacted Curse Word] cancer!” on this side, and James Conner’s story of overcoming Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma is already well-known at this point but one that can’t be stated enough. But he’s also bossing up with a breakout season in 2018 that’s seen him assume the role of All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell, who has sat out the entire season in a contract dispute.
Dominance
Like Bell, Conner is a dual-threat back who can run and catch. An ankle sprain temporarily halted his breakout season, but Conner’s return is a much-needed pick-me-up for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Individually speaking, too, 1,000 yards is right around the corner for The Back Who Just Might Save Pittsburgh.
Historic Swag
The man has a faded mullet. It shows he’s here for business, but also here to have a good time by 2018 standards. The mullet also gives off “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels vibes. How are you not entertained yet?!
Popularity
480k Instagram followers @jamesconner
He follows: J.J. Watt, Michael B. Jordan, Arike Ogunbowale
Followed by: Mike Conley, Ezekiel Elliott, Lamar Jackson
Incredible moment pregame between James Conner and another cancer survivor. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/vGoKAvXCOK
— ESPN (@espn) October 14, 2018
Social Awareness
Conner raised $400,000 for cancer research in 2016 and continues now to be a prominent voice with the cancer awareness community.
Stefon Diggs Portrait Mode Papi
Relevance
Every street is a runway for Gaithersburg, Maryland, native Stefon Diggs. Only fashion mag quality photos make it to his Instagram. What’s on his playlists, you ask? Look at his feet. You’ll see cleats inspired by Snoop Dogg and Young Thug. And if that’s not enough of a flex, he even takes his love of Starbucks to the highest level. His iced coffee is stone cold.
Dominance
Well, 100 catches and 1,000 yards are absolutely in play for the fourth-year wideout. The five-year, $72 million contract extension Diggs signed last offseason is pretty strong proof as well.
Historic Swag
Diggs made an instantly legendary game-winning catch in last year’s playoff game against the New Orleans Saints and punctuated it with a righteous pose before jettisoning his helmet and being mobbed by teammates. The “Minneapolis Miracle” led to Diggs starring in a Geico ad.
Popularity
573k Instagram followers @stefondiggs
He follows: Jalen Ramsey, Trevon Diggs, Kevin Durant
Followed by: Snoop Dogg, Odell Beckham Jr., Von Miller
Oh shit… jerry rice followed me 😳
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) November 16, 2018
Social Awareness
Diggs has worked with the Pillsbury United Communities as they aid youths in inner cities.
Todd Gurley II Extremely Gucci gang
Relevance
Todd Gurley II’s jersey is so hot, NBA players wear it. Rappers give him jewelry. He’s repped by Roc Nation Sports, and his jersey’s in YG and Drake’s “Why You Always Hatin’” video.
Dominance
The idea was posed this season — that Gurley and comrade Aaron Donald could be the greatest offensive-defensive teammates ever. Gurley’s putting up all kinds of MVP numbers (non-quarterbacks have won the award only five times), but the standouts: he’s currently second in the league in rushing and first in rushing touchdowns. The vaunted 2,000 all-purpose-yard plateau is in very realistic reach, too.
Historic Swag
Aside from dressing up as Martin Lawrence’s “Dragonfly Jones” for Halloween?
Popularity
1.3 million Instagram followers @tg4hunnid
He follows: Cardi B, Aaron Rodgers, Undertaker
Followed by: Coach K (@coachk44), Shannon Sharpe, Jimmy Butler
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) December 3, 2018
Social Awareness
Gurley has close ties with Shriners Hospital for Children. Last season, fantasy football owners who had the running back on their team donated money to the charity as an “appreciation” for Gurley’s stellar 2017.
Travis Kelce Fashion show flow
Relevance
Travis Kelce is killing it on and off the field because he’s versatile and fearless, landing edgy fly fits as effortlessly as he hurdles defenders. But his Twitter DMs are a no-slide zone. Kelce isn’t shy about his affection for his girlfriend Kayla Nicole. Remember the All-Pro tight end’s 2016 E! reality show, Catching Kelce, where women competed for his affection? Also: His mug is still its own revenue stream. He and his brother, Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce, are the faces of Old Spice beard products.
Dominance
No tight end has more receptions, receiving yards or yards after catch than Kelce since 2014, when he became a starter. He trails only Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham as far as touchdowns.
Historic Swag
Remember when he trolled punter Marquette King in 2016? That was great. But giving teammate Anthony Sherman the Stone Cold Stunner after a Dec. 3 touchdown vs. division rival Oakland? Those tears of joy falling from your face are your childhood saying, “Thanks for the memories.”
Popularity
533k Instagram followers @killatrav
He follows: Desus Nice, LeBron James, Givenchy
Followed by: Todd Gurley, Deion Sanders, Cam Newton
The Great White Hope!! https://t.co/irsswRhEPt
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) December 7, 2018
Social Awareness
He’s steady repping his Eighty-Seven & Running foundation with cool fashion shows. Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, is a big beneficiary.
Deandre Hopkins Wildstyle fresh
Relevance
What Russell Westbrook is to NBA style, DeAndre Hopkins just might be to the NFL. And why “Nuk”? As an infant, it’s the only brand of pacifier he liked as a baby.
Dominance
One could make the argument Hopkins is the best wide receiver in football, and he’s finally found the quarterback he deserves in fellow Clemson alum Deshaun Watson. In early December, Hopkins became the second-youngest player to reach 7,000 career receiving yards, behind only Larry Fitzgerald. He’s putting up Hall of Fame numbers.
Historic Swag
“People that have money can try to make [themselves] look good … can try to have swag about them. But it’s something you naturally have,” said former Clemson teammate and quarterback Tajh Boyd. “And Nuk naturally has it.”
Popularity
712k Instagram followers @deandrehopkins
He follows: Russell Westbrook, Jerry Lorenzo, Nicki Minaj
Followed by: BJ The Chicago Kid, Deshaun Watson, Jalen Ramsey
Playing for keeps. pic.twitter.com/XGWeaTNZfn
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) December 9, 2018
Social Awareness
Hopkins is champion of Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA). His mother was blinded in a vicious domestic attack when DeAndre was 12, so she has never seen him play.
Alvin Kamara The fourth Migo
Relevance
Kamara is the definition of fashion-forward, plus there’s the locs, the tats, the piercings and, oh, yeah, what he does carrying the rock. His uncle is Coach K — and not the one in Durham, North Carolina, but head of Quality Control Music: home to Quavo, Offset and Takeoff, aka the Migos, City Girls, Lil Baby and Lil Yachty. The trio are among his childhood friends. As he said in 2018: “I’m about to be me. It’s gonna be real hard for y’all to make me not be me.”
Dominance
Le’Veon Bell is widely considered the best dual-threat running back in the league, and for good reason. But Kamara’s just as vital as the voluntarily absent Bell as he runs and catches himself into New Orleans Saints history. He’s currently first on the team in rushing yards and second in receiving. “AK41” is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.
Historic Swag
Kamara, who’s known to create his own looks via Microsoft Surface, not only attended New York Fashion Week this year with the likes of Vikings WR Stefon Diggs, but also turned heads in the process.
Popularity
556k Instagram followers @alvinkamara
He follows: Dez Bryant, Maverick Carter, Big Freedia
Follows him: Antonio Brown, Michael Thomas, Tuki Carter
Watch out for that conditional love. OUCHY 😭😂😂😂 #SaintsWin ⚜️
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) December 9, 2018
Social Awareness
Kamara not only gives out free turkeys at the holidays, he also inspires his fans to raise money for his NFL sneaker fines — and he then gives that money to, say, a New Orleans rec center so young athletes can have cleats.
Von Miller Dripping country respect
Relevance
Aside from being a future Hall of Famer? Team captain Von Miller is annually one of the league’s most feared and most respected forces. Plus, the man known for his trademark clear-frame glasses has had 10-plus sacks every year he’s been in the league except one — and he played in only nine games that year.
Dominance
The best ability is availability. Miller’s played in all 16 games every year since 2014.
Historic Swag
Does being the first defensive player to win Super Bowl MVP and Pro Bowl MVP count?
Popularity
1.5 million Instagram followers @vonmiller
He follows: Nicki Minaj, Lewis Hamilton, YG
Followed by: DeAndre Jordan, Torrey Smith, Atiba Jefferson
🏈 x 🏀
Von Miller & Aqib Talib in the house for @nuggets action!#NBACelebRow pic.twitter.com/RQewPOGJ7a
— NBA (@NBA) November 14, 2018
Social Awareness
Von’s Vision is committed to providing eye care for Denver youths, in particular children from lower-income families.
Juju Smith-Schuster Independently quirky cool
Relevance
A guy named John Sherman Smith-Schuster might not think to wear a plaid tux. But Smith-Schuster’s aunt called him “John-John,” which evolved into “JuJu,” and the rest is history. Smith-Schuster is rarely spotted without his famous dog Boujee (who has 163,000 Instagram followers of his own), and last offseason, Smith-Schuster’s Fortnite squad was Drake, Travis Scott and Ninja, and they shattered Twitch records. And: JuJuTV where the bike-riding, touchdown-celebrating receiver can be seen pranking Lil Yachty, has more than 600,000 subscribers.
Dominance
The youngest player in the league last season had seven touchdowns and got close to 1,000 yards while starting in less than half the games. And Smith-Schuster has bypassed the sophomore slump. Heading into a huge Week 15 matchup with the New England Patriots, Smith-Schuster’s not only leading the Steelers in receiving yards — he’s fourth in the NFL.
Historic Swag
Practicing in Louis Vuitton is rather boss. And absolutely on brand.
Popularity
2 million Instagram followers @juju
He follows: Offset, Sage Erickson, LaMelo Ball
Followed by: LeBron James, Drake, Snoop Dogg
Training Camp Mood!! 🔥🔥🙌🏾🙌🏾 #LITTY pic.twitter.com/vD1oas5t48
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) July 28, 2018
Social Awareness
Charity softball games. Youth football camps. Dressing up as Santa. Smith-Schuster makes impact on Pennsylvania communities.
Colin Kaepernick All black everything
Relevance
He’s still the most polarizing and impactful player in a league that has said everything but “You’re no longer welcome here.” How else could one explain Washington opting for Mark Sanchez and Josh Johnson? Such seems to be the cost of doing business — even as your teammates vote you most inspirational and courageous — when you hold a mirror up to America.
Dominance
In his last season (2016) with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick threw for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, and he played only 10 games. The following season, the 6-10 Niners went through three starters who combined for 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In the first 10 games of the 2018 season, the Niners again went through three quarterbacks — and Nick Mullens didn’t throw the team’s 17th touchdown until Week 10. Put that in perspective.
Historic Swag
Remember when Kaepernick used to kiss his biceps?
Popularity
3.2 million Instagram followers @kaepernick7
He follows: Wale, Mariah Carey, Randy Moss
Followed by: More than the entire population of Iowa
My Brother @kstills always speaking the truth! Thank you for continuing to fight Love you Brother!✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/XD2PiNIQWE
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) November 22, 2018
Social Awareness
Kaepernick walks it like he talks it. He promised to raise $1 million for oppressed communities, and by January he did just that.