NFL Podium Fashion: The Remarkable Transformation Of Case Keenum

With each passing NFL season, more and more attention seems to be paid to the postgame podium, where star players — and even terrible ones — are gifted with the ripe opportunity to style and profile like The Nature Boy, inevitably getting fans talking and potentially cementing endorsement gigs from across the globe.

Sadly, we’re all still waiting for some blessed soul to take it to this special kind of intensity:

But make no mistake about it, this flashy rundown of styles includes all walks of life, like fat guys and forward-thinking trailblazers like Andrew Luck who clearly don’t give a shit, and never will give a shit.

As we’ve come to learn over the years, sometimes the ensemble works.

And sometimes it most certainly does NOT:

via TheBigLead.com

As Andy Dalton learned the hard way last season, sticking so closely to team brand can sometimes lead to disaster. In this particular case, simply leaving his eyeblack on put himself directly in the fire.

Never again, Andy, never again.

****MISSING IN ACTION*****

The Week 7 BYE meant no Cam and no Dak, which meant no old timey fun for anyone.

As for the shining NFL personalities who did take the field this week, these are their stories…

Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz chose to go for the crowd-pleasing splash and ended up tripping off the diving board. While I certainly appreciate what he’s trying to do here, that t-shirt can’t seem to figure out what its purpose is; or maybe it just felt greatly outshone by the jacket?

Whatever the case, I give Wentz an A+ for the intended showmanship, but there was no way he was getting away with the “MVP of the Bachelor Party in Miami” look.

*****

Case Keenum

It appears that Case Keenum has gotten the message loud and clear. Here he is just two weeks ago, channeling L.A.’s most lost puppy:

And heeeeeeeere’s the Rams’ QB yesterday, looking like a man just moments from hitting the red carpet for a very special, secretive VIP gala.

All Keenum has to do now is actually play like he belongs on an NFL roster and he’ll have earned that VIP status.

*****

Odell Beckham Jr.

via Giants.com

I’ve been saying for weeks that OBJ deserved podium status rather than those awkward locker room interviews where the player is being suffocated by reporters; after all, he’s earned that right. And by celebrating this seminal moment, OBJ took the most casual route all season long, sporting the look of a dude who just found out he got traded to the Knicks.

Perfection.

*****

GRONK

via Patriots.com

Rob Gronkowski is the one guy in the NFL who should be required to wear his uniform to the podium. It just makes sense.

And, as you can see, throwing on a sweater and then saying “screw it, I’ll put on my suit jacket too” simply will not cut in New England.

*****

Tom Brady

via Patriots.com

And, well, this is exactly why. Because Tom Brady looks like he was just informed that Gronk wore a “sweater suit” to the podium.

*****

Jerick McKinnon’s Harambe Tribute

https://twitter.com/120Sports/status/790210404156923904

Harambe cleats! The Vikings deserved to win for this display of honor and respect. Cheers to Jerick McKinnon for the touching shoutout. #RIPHarambe #HeIsWithUS

*****

Kevin Hogan?

via Browns.com

Yes, Kevin Hogan. Mostly because any time rogue patches of chest hair make their way through the top of your button-down, you’re showing the world you have balls. Brass. Balls.

The forehead full of sweat is just the extra cherry on top.

*****

Aaron Rodgers

Outstanding work from Aaron Rodgers with “The Dude” sweater. However, that bacon-necked t-shirt needs be set on fire at once.

https://twitter.com/packers/status/789532124554653696

But in all seriousness, this warrants a standing ovation. Or even a sitting one. Whatever’s most convenient right now, at this very moment.

*****

Andy Dalton

via Bengals.com

Andy Dalton has learned what it takes to look like a franchise QB at the podium right down to the stare; something Tom Brady used to do this during his press conferences but so far this season he’s been just a little too friendly and less commanding. However — and there’s always a however — Dalton’s failure to adjust his collar is a great indicator of his lack of awareness in the pocket.

Get it together, Andy.

*****

Tyrod Taylor

Old school WWE had the Slick aka “The Doctor of Style,” and that’s pretty much what Tyrod Taylor is to the NFL. He had four games to strut his stuff without Tom Brady around, but it wouldn’t be crazy to say Tyrod has made the official leap.

*****

Brandon LaFell

via Bengals.com

A gold Members Only jacket? Cincy WR Brandon LaFell just became my new favorite player.

*****

Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick looks like he’s trying very hard to stay on his best behavior in church.

Such a perfect postgame shot of The Bill. They’re always the same, yet they’re always different. And if you don’t understand that sentiment, you probably don’t watch a lot of football.

*****

Domata Peko

via Bengals.com

This photo of Domata Peko is from last week, but a shot like this is worth including any given week.

The Bengals defensive tackle has definitely missed his calling on about 27 different hit TV shows, and definitely spent some time in my nightmares. Christ.

*****

Previously: Tom Brady Pays Homage To Terrible Clothing
Previously: Andrew Luck Fills Flashy Void For Tom Brady
Previously: Cam Can’t Figure Out Which Color To Paint The Kitchen
Previously: J.J. Watt Redeems Himself With “Sandlot” Shout-Out
Previously: Meet Cam Newton, Exiled Member Of Exotic Barbershop Quartet
Previously: Matt Ryan Takes Over Zoolander Duties In Tom Brady’s Absence
Previously: Cam Newton Channels A Fashion-Forward Steve Urkel

*****

For more breaking news, scorching takes, and utter ass-hattery, follow Tim Ryan on Twitter and Instagram. For a look at last season’s colorful ride at the podium, each of those installments can be found right here.