Before the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft was even announced, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes had already made a statement. The acclaimed sports personality turned heads Thursday night in Pittsburgh, not with her draft analysis, but with a stunning black dress that sent social media into a frenzy.
Kimes, who has been with ESPN since 2014, is no stranger to the spotlight. She started her career as a writer, earning a National Headliner Award and a Sports Emmy nomination for Outstanding Sports Personality. Over the years, she has become a fan favorite on television, appearing regularly on NFL Live during the season. But this time, it was her fashion choice that sparked the conversation.
“Nice dress,” one fan wrote. “You do an incredible job, have fun and good luck tonight.” Another chimed in: “That dress is amazing. Wow.” A third simply commented: “You look great Mina.” The buzz was so intense that it even rivaled the excitement around other draft-night fashion moments, like Carson Beck's sister stealing the spotlight with a bold outfit.
Kimes has built a reputation as one of ESPN’s most versatile talents. She penned the first ESPN Cover Story in October 2019—the incredible survival story of NFL wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and his mother—when the magazine transitioned to a new digital format. Her many notable cover stories include profiles of Von Miller, Antonio Brown, Baker Mayfield, and Aaron Rodgers. She has also traveled extensively for high-profile stories on esports, NBA Draft prospect Luka Doncic, and Korean bat flips.
On Thursday afternoon, Kimes joined the NFL Live crew for a show at the draft in Pittsburgh. The network is pulling out all the stops for its draft coverage, with Mike Greenberg hosting for the sixth year, alongside analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Louis Riddick, insider Adam Schefter, and reporter Laura Rutledge. The broadcast is split across ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, each offering a unique angle—ESPN and NFL Network focus on team needs and on-field performance, while ABC leans into storytelling.
While Kimes’ outfit was the talk of the night, the draft itself was not without drama. WWE star Seth Rollins stormed off the NFL Draft set after a heated exchange, and a Chiefs assistant coach was arrested on the eve of the draft. But for many fans, the highlight was seeing Kimes shine—both in her analysis and her fashion.
Kimes’ journey from writer to TV star is a testament to her talent and hard work. She co-hosted ESPN Radio’s The Morning Roast national weekend show with Domonique Foxworth and Clinton Yates, and has contributed to special ESPN live Twitter shows, including digital NFL Draft coverage since 2018. Her ability to connect with audiences, whether through the written word or on camera, has made her a beloved figure in sports media.
As the draft rolled on, fans continued to share their admiration for Kimes’ look. One user summed it up: “You do an incredible job, have fun and good luck tonight.” It’s clear that Mina Kimes knows how to make an entrance—and keep the spotlight on her.
