This NFL draft pick's red carpet crop-top was an act of protest

The biggest fashion statement at last night’s NFL draft was also a political statement. Ezekiel Elliot, selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the fourth overall pick, donned a crop-top collared shirt and a white bowtie with his powder blue tuxedo jacket and white trousers.

That’s an amazing choice even just for purely aesthetic reasons, but Elliot’s outfit has a deeper meaning, too. The former Ohio State University football player is known as the “hero in a half-shirt” for reviving ’70s crop-top football jerseys on the field, until they were banned by the NCAA last March. Buckeye fans started a petition against the ban of rolled-up jerseys, gaining thousands of signatures, but the policy still remains. Elliot has spoken out against the new rule, calling it “silly.” According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the running back’s fashion-forward red carpet look was a moment of rebellion.

Elliot wasn’t the only player to turn heads on the red carpet. The NFL draft is a life-changing moment for players and their parents, and the draftees seized the day with bold fashion.

There were jewel-tone suits.

There were loafers with spikes, not unlike Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler’s unforgettable pair from the 2015 draft.

There were tuxedo jackets with a little edge, playing with patterns and textures.

And this was just the first round! There are six more to go, which means plenty more opportunities to see what over-the-top suits future NFL players wear for their big day.

Tahirah Hairston is a style writer from Detroit who likes Susan Miller, Rihanna’s friend’s Instagram accounts, ramen and ugly-but cute shoes.