Recognized as the best college tight end with the 2020 John Mackey Award after catching 12 touchdown passes in just eight games during last year’s pandemic-shortened NCAA season, Kyle Pitts was the first non-quarterback to be taken in the 2021 NFL Draft when the Atlanta Falcons snagged him with the fourth pick. It’s a move that has paid dividends for the team, as Pitts has been as good as advertised in his rookie season as a pro, racking up 484 yards through his first seven games and generally giving defenders fits with his superhuman blend of size and speed.
At 6′ 6″ and 240 pounds, Pitts is hard to miss both on and off the field, and the 21-year-old has already attracted a number of brand partnerships, including one he recently agreed to with online personal styling service Stitch Fix. Along with NFL peers Fred Warner and Marquise Goodwin, Pitts is helping the company showcase a new line of sports jackets designed using data-centric innovations to fit men with builds that fall outside of standard body types.
“Between spending time with family and friends, practices and my game schedule, shopping is low on the priority list, and finding well-fitting clothes is a struggle I’m familiar with and one that I’m sure a lot of men can relate to,” Pitts tells InsideHook. “As an athlete, my build makes it challenging to find items — like a sports jacket — that fit me without feeling restrictive. When I do find things I like, the last thing I want to do is get them tailored. I also need pieces that match my busy lifestyle. I like to combine pieces that feel polished with more casual items like a graphic tee and sneakers for a look that makes me feel confident while remaining comfortable and true to my style.”
And on game days, which are now Sundays instead of Sundays, that style really matters to Pitts.
“My pre-game style tends to be more laid back, but I absolutely enjoy getting dressed up in more elevated looks from time to time,” he says. “I definitely subscribe to the idea that wearing a stylish pre-game outfit that makes me feel confident and look good helps to empower me before games and gets me in the right headspace to win.”
According to Pitts, that “look good, feel good, play good” philosophy started before his NFL career officially kicked off.
“Like most players, I wanted to dress to impress on draft night,” he says. “I worked my whole life to get to the NFL Draft and I wanted to look my best on that stage when my name was called. It was such a surreal experience and I am glad to be with an organization like the Atlanta Falcons. I love this team and I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates and coaches for helping me continue to improve each and every day. It is an awesome feeling.”
As was getting his first career touchdown a few weeks ago when the Falcons defeated the New York Jets across the pond in England.
“It was an awesome experience playing in London,” Pitts says. “It was great to catch my first TD pass leave London with a hard-fought team win. I definitely want to check out Savile Row the next time I’m in London. I’ve heard a lot of great things. I kept it low-key afterward during the bye week. During the season we have pretty intense schedules as you can imagine, so I tried to take advantage of the time off to hang with some friends and family. I enjoyed my time off, but I was ready to get back at it.”
And look good — on and off the field — while doing it.
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