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Andrew Thomas in the Roc Nation New York City offices PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas opens up lanes for superstar running back Saquon Barkley on the field. Now, the pair of All-Pro G-Men are taking their wardrobe to another level for the 2023 season when it comes to stylish game-day fits.

Joshua McPhearson is an expert in meshing the worlds of sports and fashion. He is a former Penn State football player and stylist for Barkley (a teammate of McPhearson at Penn State), as well as San Francisco 49ers stud Christian McCaffrey.

Saquon Barkley decked out in Louis Vuitton on the field PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS

“I look at myself as a visual engineer,” says McPhearson, who launched his PEAEK styling agency in 2022. “Brands are really seeing how much pull athletes have in terms of influencing their audience. They want people to know who they are on and off the field. These tunnel walks have turned into fashion shows.”

Barkley, who was drafted by the Giants second overall in 2018, prides himself on having versatility as a dual-threat running back, and he brings that same attribute to his fashion sense.

Thomas on game day PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS

As far as his fall wardrobe goes, Barkley expects to test different ends of the fashion spectrum. “I love the unpredictability of my style choices,” he adds. “I can be in a streetwear fit one day and a suit the next.”

Hermès took note of the 26-year-old’s budding style prowess and Barkley walked in the French design house’s September fashion show.

In addition to Hermès, don’t be surprised to see Barkley repping Louis Vuitton—especially Pharrell’s new collection—Prada and Bottega Veneta on game day.

Barkley and stylist Josh McPhearson PHOTO: BY DANA BYRNES/COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

Barkley and McPhearson reconnected in a styling capacity in November 2021, eerily on the same day Virgil Abloh (who was an inspiration to both men) passed away. “We have similar tastes, so I know when he comes back from a showroom I’m going to like everything he pulls,” Barkley raves of McPhearson. “We went from throwing together a look the night before a game to planning in August for the entire season.”

Thomas has come a long way from his childhood days of just trying to find clothes that fit as his mother would purchase sneakers two sizes too big purposely to keep up with his hasty growth spurts.

A close-up of Barkley’s accessories. COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS

After inking a record-breaking five-year $117.5 million contract extension in July, the 2020 first-round pick’s wardrobe is looking a bit different from when he was playing for the University of Georgia. However, he still keeps his first pair of Air Jordans—Retro 7 Olympics—from high school in his closet for motivational purposes.

Thomas PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS

Thomas describes his newfound style as “sleek.” And it’s paid off: He’s locked in a partnership with Stitched Las Vegas for the 2023 season to collaborate on a series of sophisticated custom looks, further stretching him outside his comfort zone.

“Last season, I started getting a little bit out of my comfort zone with some brighter colors,” he admits. “Usually, I’m wearing darker stuff, but last season, I had some green pieces I wore that popped out a little bit, and I’m looking for more of that this year.”

The NFL player getting fitted at Stitched Las Vegas. BY CARL HARRIS/COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

Thomas names Palm Angels, Rhude, Amiri and Burberry as a few of his favorite designers that “fit the big guys well.” But he’s most looking forward to showing off the flare pants he had customized.

While the NBA laid the foundation for blending fashion and sports in America with roots back to Allen Iverson, Barkley doesn’t think it will be long until the NFLwears the style crown. “The NBA definitely set the standard, but the NFLis closing in on [having the] best tunnel fit looks,” he asserts.

Barkley enjoys experimenting with his looks. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS

“THE NBA DEFINITELY SET THE STANDARD, BUT THE NFLIS CLOSING IN ON [HAVING THE] BEST TUNNEL FIT LOOKS.” –SAQUON BARKLEY