There are plenty of words you can use to describe J.R. Smith. Basketball player. Hooper. Golfer. Internet sensation. They all certainly apply.
But I’d like to add another one to the list: Trendsetter.
Were people going shirtless at championship parades before J.R. Smith did it in 2016? I’m sure they were. But did anybody do it quite like Smith did it? I think it’s a safe bet that the answer is no. I mean, it’s been nearly a decade and we’re still talking about Smith’s iconic moment. The impact is still reverberating today.
That brings us to Willie Gay. The Chiefs’ linebacker pulled off a shirtless look at Kansas City’s championship parade today while running through the streets.
You already know what the vibes are when you see this man.
Willie Gay running shirtless through the streets of KC 😂 @WillieGayJr pic.twitter.com/lonBWDK2Kx
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2024
We love to see it. The shirtless tradition lives on. Fans were so here for it.