Labeled as one of “the best and most consistent style stars” in the NFL, it’s no surprise that footballer Tyrod Taylor wound up sitting front row at the recent men’s fashion week shows in Paris.

With his appearance in the Netflix series Quarterbacks and his philanthropic initiatives through the Tyrod Taylor Foundation, the athlete’s schedule is certainly packed—but in the name of fashion, one will always find a way to get to the fashion capital during the in-between season for some style showmanship. For Taylor, the cherished starting quarterback (who most recently signed with the New York Jets for the upcoming NFL season) and Super Bowl champion was ready to touch down in Paris to show up and show out—further solidifying the presence of sports stars who are destined to become fashion forces in their own right. After the fashion frenzy, VMAN caught up with Taylor for a little recap on his experience during the week, some of his favorite trends, and how he feels about seeing athletes take their spot on the global fashion stage.

VMAN: How has your experience been during Paris Fashion Week? 

Tyrod Taylor: Technically this is my vacation time between football seasons, and I chose to spend it here as Paris Fashion Week inspires me. I was at PFW last year to launch my own luxury apparel line, DIALLO which kept me super busy, so this season I got to spend more time supporting the brands I love and being inspired by their creativity.  A highlight for me was [experiencing] my first Louis Vuitton show with Pharrell Williams in the Creative Director role.  This held special meaning for me as we both grew up in the same part of Virginia and I followed his creative career trajectory for years. I was in awe of how meticulously he crafted his unique message of unity into both the actual clothes in the collection and the presentation. A true artist of our times. I’m taking notes and learning for my own brand.

VMAN: What were some of your favorite trends that you saw both on the runway and on the streets?

TT: What I love about PFW is you get such a mix of men’s style globally and I’m a fan of all of it. From Bianca Saunders to Louis Vuitton to Kenzo to Amiri, it’s world-class menswear.  I attended the surprise show for ASAP Rocky’s “American Sabotage” collection for AWGE.  I thought it was interesting how he used fashion as a vehicle for social commentary, but also, how the collection encapsulated a trend in how we see kids dressing in American cities—making their own clothes and style by mixing up fabrics and creating their own pieces. That said, I still love dressing up in a Bottega [Veneta] suit. All the clothes this season seemed very wearable, so much so [that] I had to buy two new Rimowa suitcases to take it all back home with me.

VMAN: What are some of your thoughts on seeing even more athletes take up space in the fashion scene? 

TT: Athletes have always been in the fashion space but not as visible. I think you’re seeing more athletes now because the fashion industry is recognizing the opportunity of athletes as a powerful vehicle to reach their customers. And it makes sense as athletes embody a similar strength and power that fashion is meant to imbue. If fashion is a reflection of our self-identity, then clothes are your personal uniform of self-expression. It doesn’t hurt that athletes are in peak physical condition, so we wear clothes well. Besides, many athletes are the top VIC customers, so luxury brands are waking up to that.

VMAN: Why do you think the worlds of fashion and sports merge so well? 

TT: Of course, there are natural staging moments for fashion like the tunnel walk or cutaways to fans and VIPS at the game all dressed up to support their teams or players, but that’s just the beginning of many similarities. Each sport has its own style, culture, and fan base so I imagine that is compelling for fashion. There is also competition within sports and fashion in the way that each brand stands on its own while being in a very competitive industry overall. There is also the physicality and performance of fashion in real time that it shares with sports.  I think some of the shows I went to this week felt as big as a Super Bowl game.

Below, discover Tyrod’s full Paris Men’s Fashion Week diary where he breaks down each of his looks before attending the shows.

“Walk in Jardin des Tuileries outside Le Meurice, the best in Paris.”

“Traffic or not, we always get the shot.”

“Bumping into friend and fellow creative, Jean-Claude Mpassy at the Amiri show at Jardin des Plantes”

“Waiting after Amiri show for the crowds to disperse.”

“Head to toe Bottega Veneta styled by me.”

“Nothing better than the beds at Le Meurice.”

“Arriving at A$AP Rocky ‘American Sabotage’ show for AWGE.”

“Headed to Pharell’s dinner for Joopiter x Jackson Wang after A$AP Rocky show.”

“Never know who you’re going to see front row. Bumped into buddy Stefon Diggs at A$AP Rocky AWGE fashion show.”

“Taking in the scene at A$AP ROCKY fashion show.”

“My favorite white tee mixed with LV.”

“Getting game-ready for Louis Vuitton Men’s S/S 25.”

“Feeling very Louis Vuitton. Self-styled in Paris.”

“Virginia is LVers.”

“Arriving to a sea of photographers at Louis Vuitton Men’s Show.”

“Day shopping in Paris dressed in Bottega and Prada.”

“Catching up with Dex Robinson, Creative Director of my fashion line, DIALLO, at Bianca Saunders.”

“One of my favorite looks from the week.”

“Arriving at Bianca Saunders show in Bianca Saunders and my favorite Prada shoes.”