If you’re an NFL player, the public most often sees you in uniform. But fashion-focused athletes (and there are many) have made their “tunnel ’fits” — the ensembles they wear from the team bus to the locker room — into expressions of their personal style, often accessorized with high-end handbags.
Football stars’ wardrobes are often highly individual and custom, or at least well tailored — these are not off-the-rack physiques, after all. When it comes to bags, though, players Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., CeeDee Lamb, Caleb Williams, Christian McCaffrey and Stefon Diggs gravitate toward Hermès designs — specifically the HAC.
The HAC, short for Haut à Courroies, was the brand’s first handbag, designed to carry equestrian appurtenances like boots. It resembles a super-sized Birkin, with two handles, two straps and a turn-clasp closure. The model is currently available in sizes up to 60cm — large enough to serve as an elevated duffel bag for athletes.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is a fan of the design and, as PurseBlog reports, boasts a collection of limited-edition Hermès HACs as impressive as his performance on the field. It includes a “connect the dots” shadow model (introduced in the house’s Autumn/Winter 2025 men’s show), a multipocket version and the edgy Rock, featuring a palladium chain and a diagonal zip pocket.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian McCaffrey made headlines when he carried a Rock HAC while walking into the stadium before the 2024 Super Bowl. His now-wife Olivia Culpo sported a black mini Hermès Kelly at the game. The 49ers ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, but with handbags like that, you’re still winners.
Speaking of the Chiefs, tight end and Taylor Swift fiancé Travis Kelce notably modeled an Hermès HAC (together with a giant fur hat and waders) in the September 2025 issue of GQ. Kelce, however, doesn’t own the purse, which is part of stylist Law Roach’s personal collection.
Finally, with the New England Patriots heading to the Super Bowl this year, we’re looking forward to seeing what wide receiver Stefon Diggs wears on his walk to the locker room. Diggs, who has appeared in the front row at Hermès fashion shows, has an enviable bag wardrobe, but it’s hard to compete with his girlfriend, noted Hermès collector Cardi B.
