Best and worst 2024 Kentucky Derby outfits from the sports world, including Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce

David Suggs

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Best and worst 2024 Kentucky Derby outfits from the sports world, including Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce image

Creativity is a virtue. Sometimes, it can be an albatross, too.

On the playing surface, such virtuosity can yield results. To be forward-thinking is to be unpredictable. And in the rigamarole that is sports, ingenuity is a gift.

That doesn't always translate to the catwalk, however. Athletes routinely attempt to out-work each other when it comes to wearing showy fabrics. For a select few, such originality can pay off in a big way. Think Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or A'ja Wilson.

Not everyone is blessed with such a vision, however. No event encapsulated the duality of man (and all of the furs he tends to sport) more than this year's Kentucky Derby, a festival filled with oversized hats, mint juleps and an unending scent of manure that swirled across the concourses.

It is an environment that can bring out the best in style. But it can also bring out the corniest. A great many sports figures found that out the hard way this year.

Without further ado, here are the best and worst looks from sports stars who attended the 2024 Run for the Roses.

Best and worst 2024 Kentucky Derby outfits from the sports world

Aaron Rodgers

The Jets No. 1 pulled up to the Race for the Roses in style, trotting about the concourse in a suit-and-tie reminiscent of James Bond. Rodgers is known for controversy — and sometimes, downright conspiracy. However, he toned it down on Derby Saturday. Onlookers will surely be grateful.

Travis Kelce

Kelce was a bit of a surprise at this festivities. Much like Rodgers, however, he opted for the suit and tie rather than fabulous furs. He looked like your typical churchgoer, donning a cream-colored ensemble with a cheeky wide-brim hat. 

Jayson Werth

The one-time NL All-Star plodded around the pre-race ceremonies like a man with a plan, frolicking across the dirt while dressed equal parts Mr. Monopoly, equal parts Jonathan Van Nass.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.