Jason Kelce made his return to the Monday Night Football broadcast booth this week, but it wasn't just the game that had fans talking. The former NFL star turned analyst faced a wave of criticism over his outfit choice, specifically his decision to pair a sharp suit with a pair of white New Balance sneakers.
Kelce was on hand in Kansas City to call the Chiefs' season-opening victory over the Denver Broncos, a game that also gave him a front-row seat to watch his younger brother, Travis Kelce, in action. While the Chiefs' performance was the headline on the field, Kelce's fashion choices became a hot topic on social media.
The backlash was swift, with fans and critics alike taking to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their opinions. Sports commentator Amy Knows Ball didn't hold back, writing, "TOP WEARING TENNIS SHOES WITH SUITS IM BEGGING YOU." Others chimed in with similar sentiments, with one fan saying, "I've been saying this for years since it started happening more often. I think it looks absolutely ridiculous imo. Why even wear a suit if you're not going to wear nice shoes with it?"
However, not everyone was ready to condemn Kelce's look. Some defended the choice, citing comfort as a practical reason. "They do too much walking that's not going to happen i don't feel. They are definitely going for comfort," one fan noted, while another added, "Those dress kill our feet lol. That's why you see dudes wearing sneakers. But I do hate it too."
The debate even sparked a broader conversation about whether athletic shoes have a place with formal attire. One fan observed, "I hear you, but the one I circled don't look too bad. But Jason looks hideous 😅 but I guess they do it for comfort!" Another added, "Far right doesn't look awful. Kelces does for sure. Guy on the left eh it doesn't look too bad only because he's dressed more casual… But not a fan of nikes with full on suits either."
This isn't the first time a sports figure's outfit has sparked controversy. The fashion choices of athletes and broadcasters have long been a topic of debate, and this incident adds to the ongoing discussion. It also comes amid other fan-driven controversies, such as the recent outcry over Carrie Underwood's role on Sunday Night Football and the backlash over a missed call involving Travis Kelce in the same game.
While the Chiefs' win was a positive start to their season, Kelce's wardrobe choice has become a talking point that may linger. Whether he'll adjust his style for future broadcasts remains to be seen, but fans are certainly keeping a close eye on his next outfit.
