Robert Griffin III, commonly known as RGIII, burst onto the NFL scene in 2012 like a shooting star. His electrifying rookie season with the Washington Redskins captivated football fans across the nation and earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, his journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity, making him a symbol of resilience in the world of professional sports.
RGIII’s rise to stardom began during his college years at Baylor University, where he won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s best player in 2011. His unique blend of speed, arm strength, and football IQ made him one of the most exciting prospects in years. The Washington Redskins traded up in the 2012 NFL Draft to secure his services, and he didn’t disappoint.
In his rookie season, RGIII led the Redskins to a playoff berth, showcasing his incredible athleticism and leadership on the field. He threw for 3,200 yards, rushed for 815 yards, and totaled 27 touchdowns, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe. His jersey became one of the best-sellers in the league, and “RGIII” became a household name.
RGIII’s meteoric rise was followed by a series of setbacks that would test his resilience. Injuries began to plague his career, particularly a severe knee injury suffered during the playoffs at the end of his rookie season. This injury not only sidelined him for the following offseason but also sparked a debate about the Redskins’ handling of their franchise quarterback’s health.
Over the next few years, RGIII struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. He had a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns but was unable to regain the form that had made him a sensation. His journey seemed to take a turn for the worse as he bounced from team to team. RGIII could have easily succumbed to the adversity he faced, but he refused to give up on his NFL dream. In 2018, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a backup quarterback. While he didn’t see much playing time during his first season with the Ravens, his perseverance finally paid off.
In Week 13 of the 2019 NFL season, RGIII was thrust into the starting role after an injury to Ravens’ star quarterback Lamar Jackson. He showed flashes of his former self, displaying poise and composure. He led the team to a victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back.
Style on the Field
The WELTHĒ Guy, Robert Pauley is a well-known stylist in the fashion industry, and his latest project involved styling RGIII. As a former NFL quarterback who has recently transitioned into a career in broadcasting, Pauley was tasked with creating a stylish and professional wardrobe for RGIII that would suit his new career path.
Pauley started by assessing RGIII’s personal style and preferences. He took into account RGIII’s physique, skin tone, and the types of clothing that would be appropriate for his new job. Pauley also considered the various events and occasions that RGIII would be attending, such as press conferences, red-carpet events, and television appearances.
Pauley’s approach to styling RGIII was to create a wardrobe that was both timeless and modern. He chose classic pieces such as tailored suits, dress shirts, and dress shoes, but added a modern twist with bold colors, patterns, and textures. Pauley also incorporated sportswear-inspired pieces such as joggers, hoodies, and sneakers, which were perfect for RGIII’s active lifestyle.
One of Pauley’s standout looks for RGIII was a navy blue suit paired with a white dress shirt and a patterned tie. The suit was perfectly tailored to RGIII’s physique, and the colors complemented his skin tone. Pauley also added a pair of brown leather dress shoes to complete the look. This outfit was perfect for a formal event or a television appearance.
Overall, Robert Pauley does an excellent job of styling RGIII for his new career in broadcasting. He created a wardrobe that was both stylish and professional, and that suited RGIII’s personal style and preferences. Pauley’s attention to detail and his ability to create timeless yet modern looks make him one of the top stylists in the fashion industry.
Lapalme Magazine asked RGIII and Robert Pauley about how they connected, collaborate and choose looks that feel like they won the Super Bowl.
How would you describe your personal style and fashion preferences off the football field?
-When not in front of the camera I am more of a relaxed fit guy. When I’m on TV I like to make a statement and go into the drip closet and find my fitted dapper looks. We like to keep them guessing, like what am I going to wear next.
How did you connect with The WELTHĒ Guy, Robert Pauley, why do you trust his fashion?
When I got into fashion I wanted to make sure I shined a light on black designers and stylists. And in that search, I found Robert Pauley III who when you meet him the first time or the 14th time, he is the same person. High energy, suited and booted, ready to not just make you look fly but also make your confidence sky high. This is our third year together so collaborating on looks is as simple as us looking at each other and already knowing what we are thinking. We both know the assignment and the occasion determines the look while we determine the style. We match suits to games, we match suits to the environment, we match suits to the season and the weather.
Are there any specific fashion trends or designers that inspire your wardrobe choices?
The glow-up for me over the last 8 years has in large part been due to my wife, Grete Griffin. She encouraged me to be myself and allow my clothes to express that as well. My suit Designer, Robert Pauley III aka The WELTHĒ Guy, has also been a massive influence on my style selection and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to putting together the perfect look. Collectively we have defined what my style is. The fitted pants of Calvin Klein, the flare of Versace, the pop of Armani, the sleekness of Prada, and the uniqueness of Off-White by the late Virgil Abloh.
How do you balance comfort and style when selecting your game-day attire?
That’s where The WELTHĒ Guy comes in, there is no compromise. I raced the Seattle Seahawks live mascot Taima, The Hawk, in the same suit that I called Monday Night Countdown in this past year. The goal is always to look fly and also have the mobility and comfort to run a sprint, jump in the stands, or throw a football with ease.
Can you share any fashion tips for football players looking to elevate their off-field fashion game?
First and foremost, get with The WELTHĒ Guy and understand that how you present yourself one time is how you present yourself every time. You need a stylist and fashion designer like Robert who will be consistent and help you develop your own style.
What role do you think fashion plays in expressing individuality and personality for professional athletes?
It’s everything. Everybody has their own likes and dislikes, their own favorite colors, so don’t just go with the flow of everybody else. Truly dive in and know that you will always look better and feel better wearing what you like as opposed to wearing what everybody else is.
Are there any fashion collaborations or projects that you would be interested in pursuing in the future?
First and foremost, I would love to do a collaboration to release my own suit line and showcase that style and sophistication is present in TV broadcasting. Secondly, I would love to walk and feature fashion at the New York, Paris, London and Tokyo Fashion Weeks.
How do you adapt your fashion choices for different occasions, such as red carpet events or charity functions?
In the end, your style is your style. So the occasion doesn’t change your style, it simply magnifies it. So, I won’t wear the same suit to call a football game that I do for a charity gala but the style of that suit or tuxedo will still have that same flare and dapper look expected from me.
Do you have a favorite football-related fashion item or accessory that holds a special meaning to you?
Yes, my hair. I know, I know people will say hair is not an accessory but I beg to differ. Even if you haven’t lived life like me where you didn’t get your haircut or have a lineup for 27 years, you understand the difference between when you have a haircut and when you don’t. With the haircut you feel more confident and for me, having my braids on point every time I go on TV thanks to my hairstylists, gives me the confidence to go out and do my job to the best of my ability. Black hair is magical and I think it’s important for young kids out there to see that it’s also professional. That braids and having long hair is also professional.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and incorporate them into your personal style?
Well first off, I watch all the fashion weeks to see what’s trending and popular. I also talk with my wife Grete and The WELTHĒ Guy to ensure that we aren’t keeping up with the trends but that we are helping lead them. Sometimes when we see something, we know immediately there is a difference between what you see and what inspires you. We get inspired to make new looks by something we see almost every day.
Are there any fashion icons or athletes whose style you admire and draw inspiration from?
Not anyone else that hasn’t already been mentioned. We believe style is inspired from within, so the style we have created came from within me. That can’t be replicated.
What truly distinguishes Robert Pauley from the multitude of stylists in the industry is his signature style: timeless elegance. His approach to styling is grounded in the belief that classic, sophisticated looks never go out of fashion. With this philosophy in mind, He created a wardrobe that was both stylish and professional that suited RGIII’s personal style and preferences. Pauley’s attention to detail and his ability to create timeless yet modern looks make him one of the top stylists in the fashion industry.
PHOTO CREDIT: The WELTHĒ Guy
