Ezekiel Elliott’s Cropped Button-Front Shirt Steals the Show at the NFL Draft

Ezekiel Elliott had a great evening yesterday, after being chosen to play for the Dallas Cowboys at the NFL draft. We’re happy for him and all, but as fashion people, we were a bit more focused on his look. Underneath a smart powder-blue jacket with white lapels and piping on the pockets, Elliott rocked a blue cropped button-front shirt that put his impressive abs on display. It appears he folded up the shirt. He finished the look with a white bow tie, white pants, and light blue loafers.

As happens when a man wears anything deviating from the norm for what men and women should wear, people on the Internet had plenty of opinions about Elliott’s ensemble. The Shade Room posted a picture of Elliott’s look to Instagram, and the comments varied from disgust (and, of course, people questioning his sexuality) to delight. “What is this?? I know crop tops were popular for men in the ’90s, but it’s 2016 and this is a business meeting technically…” one person wrote. “He looks crazy. It’s not that fashionable and at minimum, your stomach could be completely chiseled before you show it … and at the draft!!??!! He trippin,” another said.

Some people were able to see the look for what it probably is — a young man with a promising future just having a little fun by making a fashion statement. “I don’t see anything negative about this. Great sense of humor. Young black man on his way to greatness. Congrats,” one commenter offered.

It seems, though, that Elliott’s styling is very on the Elliott brand. Many commenters pointed out that he used to wear his jersey in the same manner when he was playing for Ohio State. “I don’t think he did it to be fashionable … that’s how he wore his jersey when he played,” one of many commenters pointed out. “Clearly y’all know nothing of this dude smh if y’all did you’ll know he wears his jersey this way.” A quick Google search will confirm that, yes, Elliott definitely rocked the cropped jersey on the regular.

However you feel about Elliott’s look, it’s definitely a conversation starter, and you can’t deny — the young man has a rockin’ bod.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.