Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sparked a fashion debate after wearing custom shoes without the usual Nike Swoosh logo during a preseason game on August 7. The incident gained attention when Kayla Nicole, sports reporter and Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, publicly criticized Burrow’s shoe choice.
Details Behind Joe Burrow’s Shoe Choice at Preseason Opener
During the Bengals’ first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, Burrow wore a distinctive pair of Air Jordan 1 Mid “Shattered Backboards.” Fans and analysts alike noticed that the shoes lacked the iconic Nike Swoosh, a hallmark of the brand. This unusual design caught the eye of many, including Nicole, who reacted on social media by sharing a story originally posted by Complex.
“The Swoosh-less 1’s are upsetting me,” Nicole wrote on Saturday.
—Kayla Nicole, Sports Reporter
Nicole’s comment quickly spread across sports circles given her previous relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Since their split earlier this year, Kelce has been linked with pop superstar Taylor Swift, while Nicole has continued her career in sports media and modeling.
Burrow’s Performance During the Preseason Game Against Eagles
Joe Burrow’s action on the field was brief but effective in the preseason opener. Playing two drives, he completed nine of ten passes for 123 yards and threw two touchdowns. Despite his strong individual showing, the Bengals fell to the defending Super Bowl champions, 37-27. The team now looks ahead to their remaining two preseason matchups against the Washington Commanders and the Indianapolis Colts.
Burrow’s limited playing time leaves questions about how much he will contribute in remaining preseason games as Cincinnati prepares for the 2025 season. Last season, Burrow delivered impressive stats, completing 460 out of 652 passes for nearly 5,000 yards with 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions, highlighting his value to the team.
Impact of Footwear Choice and What to Watch Moving Forward
The absence of the Nike Swoosh on Burrow’s cleats has prompted conversations about player endorsements and personal style choices within the NFL. As the Bengals aim to build momentum before the regular season, it remains to be seen if Burrow will continue wearing the customized shoes without the logo or revert to more traditional gear.
Kayla Nicole’s public response reflects a growing fan and media interest in athletes’ fashion statements, especially when they break from expected norms. How Burrow’s shoe selection will influence future endorsements or partnerships could become a notable aspect of his public image alongside his on-field performance.