If you had to guess which former NFL star would get dragged for their Kentucky Derby outfit, Rob Gronkowski would probably be near the top of the list. The legendary tight end, known more for his end-zone spikes and love of beer than his fashion sense, apparently didn't get the memo about Churchill Downs' dress code.
Gronk showed up at the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday in a look that was more backyard barbecue than bluegrass spectacle: khaki pants, a light blue button-up shirt, a dark blue jacket, and a matching baseball cap. Celebrity site Nicki Swift quickly named him the worst-dressed former athlete at the event, saying, “While Gronkowski isn’t much of a style star, if you’re going to the Kentucky Derby, you have to do something a little different with your outfit. Clearly, in this case, Gronkowski missed the memo, with his look much too simple for the event.”
The Kentucky Derby dress code is no joke. The official guidelines encourage men to wear “colorful suits or sports coats, often in bold prints, pastels, or preppy plaids,” paired with a dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and stylish loafers or dress shoes. A fedora or bowler hat is the classic finishing touch. “The key is polished, springtime flair—don’t be afraid to stand out!” the code reads. Gronk, however, went with a baseball cap featuring a logo, which is a major no-no.
Gronkowski wasn't alone at the track. He was accompanied by his longtime girlfriend, Camille Kostek, a former Patriots cheerleader, who clearly followed the fashion memo. She dazzled in a vibrant outfit that would have made the Derby's style police proud. Meanwhile, Gronk's casual look drew comparisons to other fashion faux pas at Churchill Downs, like when Derby Dress Drama: Influencers Gabriela Moura and Olivia Dunne Called Out for Fashion Faux Pas made headlines, or when Sue Bird Ditches Derby Dress Code: No Hat, All Attitude at Churchill Downs sparked debate.
To be fair, aside from the baseball cap, Gronk's outfit wasn't a total disaster. Khakis and a blue button-up are perfectly fine for a casual day out, but the Kentucky Derby is all about stepping up your style game. It's an event where even the horses get dressed up, so showing up in something that looks like you just rolled out of the tailgate lot is bound to get you called out.
This isn't the first time a celebrity has been roasted for their Derby attire. Earlier this year, Derby Dress Code Clash: Two Influencers Accused of Crossing the Line at Churchill Downs caused a stir, and even Paige Spiranac's Derby Dress Photo Racks Up 500K Views—And She Didn't Even Attend showed that fashion is a major part of the Derby conversation. But for Gronk, the criticism is a reminder that even if you're a Super Bowl champion, you still need to dress the part at the Run for the Roses.
At the end of the day, Gronk might not care about being named worst-dressed. He's always marched to the beat of his own drum, whether that's spiking footballs or wearing a baseball cap to one of the most prestigious fashion events in sports. But for fashionistas and Derby traditionalists, his look was a clear foul.
