Sorry, but Ezekiel Elliott’s half-shirt will not become the famous football look since Earl Campbell’s tear-away jerseys in the ‘80s.
Not because Elliott doesn’t have substance to back his style. But because it’s illegal.
Elliott, who stole the show at the NFL Draft wearing a dress shirt that showed off his abs, would be violating the NFL’s ridiculously strict and homogenized dress code by wearing his trademark shirt.
Rule 5. Section 4. Article 3. Item 2:
“Jersey must cover all pads and other protective equipment worn on the torso and upper arms, and must be appropriately tailored to remain tucked into the uniform pants throughout the game. Tear-away jerseys are prohibited. Mesh jerseys with large fishnet material (commonly referred to as 'bullet-hole' or 'port-hole' mesh) are also prohibited. Surnames of players in letters a minimum of 2½ inches high must be affixed to the exterior of jerseys across the upper back above the numerals; nicknames are prohibited. All jerseys must carry a small NFL Shield logo at the middle of the yoke of the neck on the front of the garment. All fabrics must be approved by the League office prior to production.”
Remember, this a league run by ninnies who fine players for personal messages on their eye black or for not wearing their socks high enough. You think Elliott’s abs are gonna get play? Right.
Elliott wore a half-shirt at an NFLPA Rookie Premiere last week. But until further notice the look will only be seen at Cowboys’ gift shops, Elliott bobbleheads and, oh yeah, the cheerleaders.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
