Sean C. McRae Is The Visionary Stylist Redefining NFL Fashion
The NFL tunnel walk has become one of the most highly anticipated sports moments unexpectedly and few are making a bigger impact than Sean C. McRae in bringing many athletes vision to life. As the mastermind behind Isiah Pacheco’s standout style, Sean C. McRae is proving that athletes aren’t just here to play—they’re here to make fashion statements. Blending high fashion with personal heritage, Sean is helping reshape how the world sees NFL players beyond the field. In this exclusive interview, he shares his creative process, his vision for the future of sports fashion, and why he believes athletes are the new style icons.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What drew you to working with Isiah Pacheco, especially in a sport where fashion norms are slowly evolving?
Honestly, it was the Jersey connection. When working with clients, the best relationships happen when there’s a real bond beyond the work, and since we’re both from Jersey, I knew we’d click. Football itself is a challenge, and I love a challenge. Dressing Pop—Isiah—pushes me to refine my knowledge of proportions and fit because of his running back physique. But I don’t care about traditional fashion norms. I care about making my clients look and feel their best.
How do you incorporate elements of Latino heritage into Isiah’s style while pushing boundaries in menswear?
If you know Isiah, you know he’s BIG on where he’s from. While we haven’t done a look yet that explicitly showcases his Puerto Rican roots, I’ve been intentional about color palettes and styling choices that subtly honor his heritage. But trust me, we’ve got some things coming up this offseason that will take that to the next level.
How do you balance making cultural statements while keeping Isiah’s style authentic to who he is?
Isiah is the cultural statement. He’s loyal, passionate, and proud of his roots, and that naturally comes through in his style. My job isn’t to force a narrative—it’s to amplify what’s already there.
How did your styling relationship with Isiah begin, and where do you see his style evolving?
My boy JG, who played at Rutgers with Pop, made the connection. I told him, “I need to style Pop. We could do something great together.” At first, I just helped him with a few fits here and there, but this past season, we really locked in. Moving forward, I see his style becoming more versatile—tailored looks, streetwear, and in-between. The goal? Make him one of the best-dressed players in the league.
How has your styling influenced young fans, especially in Puerto Rico?
I style Pop in a way that allows young fans to find affordable alternatives to his looks. Not everyone has access to high-end brands, so I focus on looks that are easy to recreate without losing the essence of style.
Let’s talk game-day styling. How does an event like the Super Bowl influence your creative process?
Game-day styling is all about energy—it’s a mix of how the client feels and the magnitude of the event. Pop likes options, so I usually propose a few looks, and we decide together. For the Super Bowl, we initially had a formal look, but due to last-minute issues, we had to pivot. I went to Patron of the New and pulled a deerskin Loewe button-down, Nahmias leather pants, and Timberland boots. It was one of those “if you know, you know” fits—clean, effortless, but impactful.
The tunnel walk is becoming fashion’s new runway. How do you approach these high-impact moments?
The tunnel is bigger than the runway now. People don’t realize it, but athletes are the new rockstars. Every Sunday is a stage, and I take that responsibility seriously. I study each week, refining my approach to make an even bigger statement the next time.
Walk us through your creative process. How do you build a look that balances athleticism and personal style?
I’m a visual learner, so 95% of my outfits start as a flat lay in Photoshop or Procreate. Once we finalize a look, I tap into my network to source pieces. I’ve built relationships in retail and luxury fashion, so I can get my hands on pieces fast, at the right price, or as loaned pulls.
Which designers do you gravitate toward for high-stakes moments?
It’s about craftsmanship and good cuts first. I mix high-end brands like Bottega Veneta by Matthieu Blazy with up-and-coming designers like Spencer Badu and Misere Moderne (who’s a friend of mine). Mixing luxury with emerging talent gives the looks depth and originality.
What trends are you loving in tunnel fashion right now?
- Statement accessories—belts, wallet chains, bags.
- Embellishments—textures, unique details.
- Formalwear making a comeback.
- Chocolate brown tones—underrated but powerful.
- Men embracing pieces traditionally considered womenswear.
Trends you’re over?
- Sneakers—starting to feel overdone.
- Everyone looking like Balenciaga mannequins—where’s the originality?
The NFL has become an unexpected leader in men’s fashion. How do you see your work shaping this cultural shift?
The truth is, athletes are the ones actually buying and wearing these high-end pieces—not just runway models. It’s time for designers to create pieces that fit their builds. My work helps prove that fashion in sports isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a real movement.
Breaking stereotypes in sports fashion—how are you changing the perception of athletes and style?
People assume athletes don’t have style, but they do. They just need someone to help bring it to life. My job is to make sure their personality and confidence shine through their fits.
What excites you most about the future of sports fashion?
