The NFL Draft is about much more than finding out which rookie will be joining your favorite team. It is also about learning which soon-to-be NFL players can really get dressed up. Drake Maye, one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class, is looking to keep things simple as he makes his first real foray into the big-league fashion space.
While he’s much more comfortable slinging touchdown passes than he is at the tailor, Maye says he enjoyed the pre-draft ritual of getting fitted for the BOSS suit he’ll officially become an NFL player in. A few hours before the big night, Maye called in from Detroit to tell us about his draft day look, the experience of being shepherded between fancy dinners with NFL executives, and his family, whom he lovingly described as swagless.
What made you go with BOSS for the draft suit?
It was an easy decision for me. Me and my family, we don’t have much swag on the red carpet. It only makes sense to wear some BOSS out there. They were nice enough to put my three older brothers, and my dad, in BOSS [as well]. It’s about more than style. All the hard work, dedication, and perseverance to reach your dreams, that’s an easy fit for me.
I went with a light gray [suit] with a Carolina blue interior. It fits well, and the best thing about it is that it looks simple. Maybe I’ll add a Carolina blue tie, and throw it together with some J’s. There wasn’t really any fashion inspiration. We looked at past drafts to see who looked the best, but for me, we just went with my style.
For you, the night is about football and learning what team you’re going to. But you also had to shift into fashion mode, which sounds like it might be uncharted territory for you?
Yeah, it was fun! BOSS has so many different styles and so many different colors. My brothers and I were able to find something that we each wanted. The biggest thing for us? We didn’t want to look like four goofballs out there. The fashion world is new for us. This’ll be my first time with the red carpet vibe and paparazzi.
How many times have you worn a suit before?
Senior prom, then maybe once or twice in college.
What do you think about the draft becoming a quasi-fashion show now?
You gotta look good! That’s the biggest part. I’m just gonna have fun with it and embrace being out there. The other guys care about it a little more than I do. But hey, it’s something you can’t shy away from. I’ll be looking a little more snazzy than I would if I didn’t have this hookup with BOSS.
No iced out chain with your name on it?
None of that, I keep it simple.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how have the nerves been?
They weren’t as bad these past couple days. We’re probably up to a 6 or 7 now! Early in the week it’s not so bad, but as you get closer to game time it ramps up a little bit. The best thing about the green room is you have family and friends in there to calm the nerves and let you be yourself.
It compares to college recruiting. You try to put your best foot forward and give the best representation of yourself. But the NFL is such a business. You really get no feedback from these teams on if they like you! You just go in there and get judged. I think I did good! In college you get feedback like, “Hey, we want you.” In the NFL, they don’t want to say too much.
It sounds almost like a date.
Exactly. I’m sitting at dinners with these GM’s and coaches just trying to be myself and make a good first impression. I didn’t really get too many odd questions. They mainly just want you to boast about yourself, which is difficult for me. But it was nothing too crazy. I walked away from some of the meetings and formal interviews going, “Hey, I think they liked me!” If not, I guess we’ll find out.
What do you feel like people are still getting wrong about you?
Hmm…That I’m such a young prospect and may not be able to transition to the NFL. I only spent three years in college. But I’ve got three older brothers! I’ve always done well in older environments. I think I’ll be able to get along with the older guys. I’m excited to show that.
With this being such a quarterback-heavy draft, there’s been a lot of chatter about where you’ll go and how you stack up with the other QB’s. What’s been your strategy for avoiding all that noise?
No doubt. It’s been tough having to navigate that. I do think it’s a great [quarterback] class. I’m a big fan of these guys. I just worry about myself and control the things I can control. At the end of the day, that team that wants me will draft me, and we’ll start working from there. Nothing else will matter.
Read the full article here
