Touchdowns & Trendsetting: NFL Star Marquez Valdes-Scantling Kicks Off a New Era
The 2x Super Bowl champion is scoring big both on and off the field
Touchdowns & Trendsetting: NFL Star Marquez Valdes-Scantling Kicks Off a New Era
The 2x Super Bowl champion is scoring big both on and off the field
Touchdowns & Trendsetting: NFL Star Marquez Valdes-Scantling Kicks Off a New Era
The 2x Super Bowl champion is scoring big both on and off the field
- Story by Ashley Joy Parker / Reporting by Meera Rathod / Photography by Jesse Lurz / Videography by Angiolino Campodonicoa
Marching In...
October has become a month of significant milestones for NFL star Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Celebrating his 30th birthday as a two-time Super Bowl champion, he also reached a new deal with the New Orleans Saints, joining the esteemed team as their latest wide receiver.
Just a month ago, during New York Fashion Week, we caught up with MVS—as his fans call him—at Loosie’s, the trendy underground club beneath the Moxy Lower East Side. Though it wasn’t the usual scene for an in-season athlete, it’s clear MVS has no problem fitting in with the fashion crowd.
Hailing from St. Petersburg, Fla., MVS first burst onto the sports scene playing college football at North Carolina State and the University of South Florida, before making his NFL debut with the Green Bay Packers in 2018. A dominating offensive force, MVS quickly made waves in the league, not only for his physical prowess but for his fly game-day ‘fits. Most recently, he celebrated the pinnacle of his football career (thus far) by winning back-to-back championships in Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, as the latest addition to Saints Nation, he’s ready to march into his most exciting era ever.

MVS has always approached his football career with unrivaled determination and discipline, traits that now fuel his ventures off the field. Beyond his gridiron glory, he has leaned into his passion for fashion, launching his own lifestyle brand, SIK Selection. Started alongside his two best friends, Darquez Watson, PharmD, and Tracy Johnson Jr. M.S., SIK—which stands for Successful Innovative Kings—consists of fresh and fashionable streetwear inspired by their life experiences.
Diving deeper into the style game, MVS founded LUXE Fashion Fest, a one-of-a-kind fashion show experience in his hometown of St. Petersburg. Focusing on fostering an inclusive community of creatives, the runway lineup highlighted six dynamic designers from across the United States, including LA’s Andre Emery and Natalie Yousefi, NYC’s Made by Mena and Laurenelle, as well as Florida favorites Muse by Pablo and, course, SIK Selection. Plans for LUXE Fashion Fest 2025 are already underway.
What also sets MVS apart is not just his athletic accomplishments or savvy style, but also his personal code of conduct. He proudly maintains an alcohol-free lifestyle, emphasizing mental clarity and focus. This commitment to wellness not only enhances his performance in sports and business but also serves as a motivational message to his fans.
With his combination of talent, ambition, and commitment to his values, MVS is not just redefining what it means to be a top-tier athlete but also inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions beyond the field.
Join Loop Magazine as we delve into MVS’ journey from football phenom to multifaceted entrepreneur, exploring the inspirations and ambitions that drive him. Check out our exclusive interview with Marquez Valdes-Scantling below.
New Orleans has one of the most passionate fanbases in the NFL. As a new Saints player, what are you most excited to bring to Who Dat Nation?
What I’m most excited about is my Nana coming to a game to watch me play as a Saint. She is from New Orleans. Hearing all the stories about the culture of this city and even visiting a few times as a kid, all I could remember was how passionate this Saints fanbase is. Can’t wait to experience it.
After winning Super Bowl LVII in February, footage of you and your Chiefs teammates celebrating in Las Vegas went viral. What was the atmosphere like that night?
After winning the Super Bowl for the second time, it was a crazy experience. Through all the adversity that we had that year, all the media pressure, through the ups and downs, just being able to experience that and celebrate with the guys was one of those things you can’t ever recreate. We actually went out to Las Vegas for the second time and we had a great time. Success comes with a lot of celebrations.
How does it feel to be sober in those party settings?
I’ve never tried any alcohol or any drugs, so I’ve been sober my whole life. Just being able to be present in the moment, not have to be out of my body. I like to be in control and be aware of my surroundings at all times. I can still have fun without putting things into my body that will have negative effects. Watching everybody enjoy themselves and make fools of themselves; that’s fun too.
What’s your go-to drink at a bar as someone who doesn’t drink alcohol?
I’m a juice guy; apple juice, pineapple juice, lemonade, or sweet tea. I’m a Florida boy, so I like Tropicana; they always have the best juice.
Can you tell us more about Luxe Fashion Fest and what inspired you to create this event?
I’ve always been into fashion. Being transparent, I’m an introvert by nature, so being able to express myself through clothing has always been my thing. As athletes, we have this voice and platform to showcase our talents. We treat our game days like the runways, so I thought why not create a space where athletes can come in and do the same thing? It went from athletes to small-time creators and now big-time creators who need a place to showcase their abilities.

SIK Selection has been a major hit in the fashion scene. What was the vision behind starting the brand?
SIK Selection was started by myself and my two best friends in 2018, which was my first year in the NFL. We had no idea what we were doing. We just knew that we wanted to create something. It went from being a clothing line to a full lifestyle brand. The three of us all took different paths to get to where we are in life, and we’re all successful. That’s why the brand started and now we’re able to showcase our lives through fashion.
Your other company Craft-Tee offers everything from classic screen printing to sophisticated embroidery and custom brand designs and it’s gained quite a following. How did that idea come about and evolve?
Craft-Tee started because as we got more in-depth with our SIK Selection designs, we were limited to what we could do using different companies all over the United States. Being the innovative guy that I am, I decided to go out and make my own company where we can print all our stuff in-house instead of having to go out and source it. Now, we are a full-time print shop with the capability to do anything and everything for everybody. Craft-Tee really started because I never want to be limited in my creativity.
You have a killer sense of personal style. What’s your approach to curating your wardrobe?
I think my style has changed over the years, but it always goes back to who I am as a man and what I want to showcase. It’s never been about what styles are “in,” or what the trends are. If I like it, I’m going to buy it, whether it’s a $2 T-shirt or a $1K T-shirt. That’s the freedom and the creativity I love about fashion.
Do you have any upcoming fashion projects you’re excited about?
Luxe Fashion Fest is coming back for its second year and it is going to be even bigger and better than the first. I have a great team that’s helping my vision come to life. I’m super excited about it.
We treat our game days like the runways


You have also recently ventured into real estate. What drew you to this industry?
My parents were into real estate. My mom was a business banker, my dad was a clinical engineer, and then they did properties together. When I was a kid, I used to help them out; painting properties, cutting grass, and pulling up carpets. That exposure helped me understand the value of having a passive income outside of your everyday job. My parents made good money, but they still had other ventures. My mom is a realtor now so she has shown me the ropes of the real estate business.
How do you juggle all your entrepreneurial endeavors and your football career?
Just be where my feet are. Whatever I’m doing at the time, I’m focused. I’m at work for football, that’s where 100% of my energy is. As soon as I walk out of that building, I turn football off and I go into a different mindset.

Are there any other industries or projects you’re eager to dive into next?
I don’t know. I think they kind of just all fall into my lap. I never in a million years thought I would be this heavily into fashion—doing my own fashion shows and, potentially walking in these shows all over the world— so I have no idea. They just kind of happen and whatever God puts in front of my plate, that’s what I’m gonna go and do.
What advice would you give to young athletes who are looking to expand their brand beyond just sports?
Do the things that you love to do, not necessarily things you think will make you the most money. Find an interest or a hobby that you enjoy doing on a day-to-day basis. If you don’t love it, you won’t want to do it and the money won’t ever be enough for you to continue. Find your passion first; there’s always a way to make money after.
Success comes with a lot of celebrations

