There’s something uniquely thrilling about finding out you’re about to become one of the world’s most visible and highly paid professional athletes. So it’s no surprise that the young stars of Thursday’s NFL Draft first round, held at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, decided to mark the occasion with some seriously impressive wristwear.
While some of the style choices leaned into youthful exuberance, we were actually surprised by how restrained many of these top draft picks were with their watch selections. Sure, there were a few pieces glimmering with aftermarket diamonds, often a polarizing choice among collectors, but several athletes kept it classic.
Take Cam Ward, the first overall pick headed to the Tennessee Titans. He wore what might have been the most down-to-earth watch of the evening: a two-tone Rolex Datejust with a domed bezel and an Oyster bracelet. Similarly, Mason Graham skipped the popular Rolex route altogether and went for something a bit more off the beaten path, a stainless steel Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with a clean black dial.
Maybe the kids really are alright after all. Here’s a closer look at the most memorable watches we spotted on the draft’s red carpet:
Cam Ward – Rolex Datejust
Cam Ward, soon to be the face of the Tennessee Titans, showed up in a Hugo Boss suit and a two-tone Rolex Datejust in stainless steel and yellow gold. It was a classic, understated choice that suggested he’s more than ready to step into a leadership role.
Travis Hunter – Rolex Day-Date
Travis Hunter, the second overall pick and a Heisman winner, isn’t afraid of color. The soon-to-be Jacksonville Jaguars star showed up in an Everose gold Rolex Day-Date, proof that real men absolutely do wear pink, especially when it’s wrapped around their wrists in solid gold.
Mason Graham – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding
Defensive tackle Mason Graham, now headed to the Cleveland Browns, chose a timepiece that signals refined taste. The Royal Oak, designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, features a stainless steel case and subtle black dial that made it one of the classiest pieces of the night.
Ashton Jeanty – Rolex Datejust
Ashton Jeanty, the newest running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, made a big fashion statement by pairing Crocs with a velvet smoking jacket. But he kept his watch choice refreshingly traditional. His Rolex Datejust offered a hint of timeless elegance beneath all the flash.
Will Campbell – Rolex Submariner Date “Bluesy”
Louisiana State University’s Will Campbell, now a New England Patriot, showed up in a bold double-breasted suit and an equally eye-catching “Bluesy” Rolex Submariner Date in two-tone steel and gold. Flashy? Definitely. Envy-inducing? Absolutely.
Tetairoa McMillan – Gold Rolex Day-Date
Future Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan already knows how to catch the good stuff, like this all-gold Rolex Day-Date 40 with Roman numeral hour markers. It's right on trend and undeniably sleek.
Jihaad Campbell – Platinum Rolex Day-Date
Jihaad Campbell, the Philadelphia Eagles’ newest linebacker, wore a discontinued platinum Rolex Day-Date with a blue dial and smooth domed bezel. It’s a subtle but strong choice. Platinum speaks for itself without needing extra embellishment.
Shemar Stewart – Mystery Watch
Shemar Stewart, now a Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher, was covered in jewelry by Al the Jeweler, including a massive diamond pendant and bracelets. But his watch remains a bit of a mystery. It looked like a cross between a Royal Oak and a Patek Philippe Nautilus. Stay tuned as we try to track it down.
Matthew Golden – Custom Cartier Santos
Matthew Golden, drafted by the Green Bay Packers, took the iconic Cartier Santos and gave it the full custom treatment, encrusting it with enough diamonds to dazzle from the nosebleeds. Cartier might not have made it that way, but he owns the look.
Abdul Carter – Custom Rolex Sky-Dweller
New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter clearly has no fear when it comes to style. He wore a Rolex Sky-Dweller decked out in diamonds. Definitely not factory-set, but undeniably impressive.
Malaki Starks – Custom Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Malaki Starks, a new Baltimore Ravens safety, followed the custom path too. His pink-dialed, diamond-covered Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was loud, flashy, and had a whole vibe. It’s clear he’s already leaning into that NFL paycheck.