What inspired me to transition from NFL football to runway modeling was my sister, Mariah. Back in high school, she was doing ‘Cat Walks’ for her school’s fashion shows. I always admired that. When I hit free agency and was going through a dark time, wondering what’s next, I decided to just take a risk. I packed up and went to Paris, not knowing what would happen next.

God took it from there. When I decided to take the risk of going to Paris, I had an honest conversation with my manager, Jessica Sloan, about how I was 1000% done with football and needed to pursue something new. I expressed that I just had to go to Paris. The next day, she called around and secured an invitation for me to attend a fashion show for 1989 Studio.

Having at least one confirmed event to attend gave me a starting point. I truly commend her for doing that for me, especially since it was her first time dealing with anything in the fashion world, just like it was mine. She made it happen.

𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓: Red Flowers Leather Jacket & Black Leather Pants

My journey hasn’t been typical. It’s been more about walking by faith and seizing every opportunity that came my way. When people ask about how I got into the fashion industry, I always tell them that it was nothing but the grace of God. It wasn’t like I had an agent or an agency guiding me. I didn’t have any real connections at first. It was just me networking, walking by faith, and trusting the process.

For kids in college hoping to go to the NFL, I always tell them that the transition after football isn’t talked about enough. It’s hard, and it’s real. You’ve spent your whole life training for this dream, and then one day, it’s time to pivot. The mental side of it can be tough. For me, I knew I was always passionate about fashion, so I was ready to take that leap when my football career was over.

How has your background in sports informed your personal style and the way you express yourself through fashion?

How has my background in sports informed my style? Well, the confidence I built as a football player definitely transferred to my fashion career. On the field, I was always outgoing and unafraid to take risks. That personality and confidence show up in the way I dress. I’m not afraid to try different fits that others might shy away from. It’s about taking risks and being bold. I think the confidence I had on the field helped me transition into the fashion world much easier (As seen in; Gabriel Salcedo, Doni Nahmias & Vetements).

𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 Threaded Archives, Jacket Balenciaga Jeans & Boots

My debut runway show was with Vetements in Paris. It was my first-ever runway show. I had no set schedule when I went to Paris—just the passion. I used the network I had to get into rooms I wouldn’t have gotten into otherwise. I was also a store ambassador for a boutique in Pittsburgh called ‘Tons’ before going to Paris, which helped me get into the Vetements showroom.

While I was there, I met a guy named Kirill, who’s the co-owner of Vetements. Guram, who is the owner, had me try the different looks on at the showroom, and liked my look and had me try on different outfits for the upcoming show. I didn’t know it at the time, but the New York Times was there taking photos. Afterward, Kirill  asked me to walk in the Vetements show. That was a game-changer for me. He’s like my fashion ‘fairy godmother.’ I didn’t have an agent, no connections, but I just took that leap of faith, and it paid off.

Creative directors in fashion are starting to recognize how much influence athletes have. The collaboration between sports and fashion is definitely growing. Even WNBA players are gaining more recognition in the fashion world, which is amazing. When I first entered the NFL in 2018, tunnel walks weren’t a big deal. But by 2020 and 2021, it became huge. Athletes are starting to showcase their personalities through fashion, and I think it’s only going to get bigger in the future.

𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 Threaded Archives, Jacket Balenciaga Jeans & Boots

Growing up, I always looked up to Allen Iverson. His style was unique, bold, and unapologetic. He was always true to himself, and that resonated with me. In the fashion world, I admire Virgil Abloh. I respect how he started with Pyrex and then went on to create Off-White. His vision and creativity were inspiring. I have known of Alton Mason for years, admiring his impact in the modeling world. So, when I met him in person for the first time at the Vetements showroom, it was truly an honor.

Athletes are using their platforms to showcase their talents beyond the game—whether it’s through creative design, modeling, or even launching their own fashion lines. I’m seeing more and more athletes venture into fashion, like Damar Hamlin with his clothing brand or Marco Wilson in the NFL. Then there’s my brother, Josh McPhearson, who played football at Penn State with me.

Now, he’s styling some of the biggest names in the NFL, including Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. I truly believe the sky is the limit for the fashion industry when it comes to collaborating with both current and former athletes. Athletes are showing that they are more than just athletes; they are multi-faceted creators. If I can help open more doors for athletes to enter the fashion world, I will. I feel like God has a purpose for me, and I’m here to help others along the way.

The best advice I’ve ever gotten was from my father. He told me to just be me. No matter what, always be true to myself. I’ve been in situations where I questioned myself, whether it was in football or in fashion, but being myself—just taking a deep breath and staying true to who I am—has always helped me. That’s what kept me in the NFL for as long as I was there, even though I wasn’t a starter every year. And that’s what’s propelling me in fashion now. When you’re authentic, people connect with you. They’ll either love you or they won’t, but you can never go wrong by being yourself.

What message would you like to leave your followers?

Just believe in yourself. If no one else believes in you, that’s fine. You need to believe in YOU! Go full throttle in whatever you want to achieve. If you believe in yourself, you can make anything happen.

𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓: Red Flowers Leather Jacket & Black Leather Pants