By Lydia Jane Allison
Season-Long Art Initiative Marks First Time NFL Player Will Also Contribute Original Artwork
NEW YORK — Sept. 17, 2025 — The National Football League announced the return and expansion of its NFL Artist Replay program, cementing its presence at the intersection of football, art and community. Curated by artist and cultural tastemaker Kendall Hurns, this year’s program showcases six dynamic visual artists with a season-long storytelling series culminating in a three-day NFL Artist Replay experience during Art Basel in Miami, December 5–7.
For the first time, an NFL player will contribute to the original artwork and programming during Miami Art Week, expanding the program’s creative lens. Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Marco Wilson will showcase pieces inspired by his personal journey and passion for artistic expression.
“NFL Artist Replay expands the way visual art reflects the spirit of football through the lens of those pushing creative boundaries,” said Ian Trombetta, senior vice president of social and influencer marketing at the NFL. “This season, we’ll have our first player Marco join a talented roster of artists, allowing us to not only spotlight player passions off the field, but also give fans a unique, more creative connection to the game.”
Building on the success of last season’s inaugural gallery activation, the 2025 Artist Replay program elevates the league’s commitment to spotlighting rising and established talent from across the art world, offering fans a fresh lens on football’s cultural impact through visual art. This year’s class spans sculpture, painting and multidisciplinary work, with artists drawing inspiration from their personal fandom, football community and identity.
Featured 2025 Artists (Curated by Kendall Hurns):
- Calvin Clausell Jr.: Los Angeles, CA — Painting
- Kayla Mahaffey: Chicago, IL — Painting
- McFlyy: London, UK & Los Angeles, CA — Multidisciplinary
- Joseph Anthony Perez a.k.a. Sentrock: Chicago, IL — Painting
- Sydnie & Haylie Jimenez: Chicago, IL — Sculpture
NFL Featured Player:
- Marco Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals — Painting
“People see me as an athlete, but I’ve been painting ever since I was a child. Art has always been a creative outlet for me,” said Marco Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback. “Being part of NFL Artist Replay gives me the opportunity to display two talents I have been blessed with By God, my athleticism on the field and my creativity off the field. I’m excited for fans to learn more about who I am and one of my passions outside of playing football.”
Throughout the fall, the NFL will spotlight each artist’s story through content across platforms, offering fans an inside look at their practice, personal journey, and the football-inspired pieces.
Hurns, a Chicago-born entrepreneur and multidisciplinary creative, brings a dynamic vision to this year’s program. As the founder of Arte Haus Studios, a creative studio dedicated to empowering artists and driving cultural innovation, he has worked across fashion, sport, and design to champion representation and foster access in historically exclusive spaces. Hurns began his career collaborating with athletes and has since become a cultural strategist and advocate for emerging talent. His work reflects a commitment to using creativity as a tool for uplifting communities.
“Art and football are both powerful storytellers, and this program continues to show how they can intersect in a way that’s bold and rooted in culture,” said Kendall Hurns, curator of Artist Replay 2025. “The NFL is giving these artists a real platform while inviting fans to engage in the game in new ways.”
As part of its expanded presence, the NFL Artist Replay event presented by Starter will take place in Miami during Art Basel weekend:
- Friday, Dec. 5 – Media Preview & Private Gallery Event featuring a curated artist panel, artist meet-and-greets, and an on-site customization retail experience presented by Starter
- Saturday, Dec. 6 – Community Day featuring workshops, gallery access, and a panel with NFL Legends.
- Sunday, Dec. 7 – Miami Dolphins: Game Day Official Watch Party to celebrate football and close out the weekend.
Launched in 2023, NFL Artist Replay was designed to spotlight diverse creators and elevate the stories, identities, and cultural perspectives shaping the world of football and beyond.
This year’s profiles and art pieces will roll out beginning September 23 on NFL.com/ArtistReplay and NFL social channels.
In addition to Artist Replay, the NFL will continue to expand its art initiatives throughout the season, continuing to grow art as a platform for players and the league.
About the Artists
Kendall Hurns
Kendall Hurns is a Chicago-born entrepreneur and multidisciplinary creative who works across fashion, art, sport, and design. He started his career collaborating with NBA athletes and later founded Arte Haus Studios, a platform dedicated to empowering artists and fostering cultural innovation. Hurns is a curator, strategist, and advocate for emerging talent, committed to expanding representation and creating access within historically exclusive industries.
Calvin Clausell Jr.
Calvin Clausell Jr. is a Los Angeles-based artist known for his photorealistic oil paintings on wood panels. His work, which explores human expression and the natural world, has been exhibited internationally, including in Milan and Paris. Clausell’s visual language also intersects with music culture– creating the album cover for hip-hop visionary Gunna, whose project has now surpassed 1 billion streams.
Kayla Mahaffey
Kayla Mahaffey is a Chicago-based artist whose colorful acrylic paintings blend elements of cartoons and literature to explore themes of identity and adversity. Her work reflects the charm and complexity of her Southside Chicago upbringing, offering a vibrant view of the world that contrasts whimsy with reality.
McFlyy
McFlyy (Paul Shelton) is a London-born artist known for his unique fusion of anime, manga, and pop culture in graphic design and fashion. He has collaborated with high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, and brands like the NBA. McFlyy maintains anonymity, letting his intricate, imaginative work speak for itself.
Joseph Perez, aka Sentrock
Joseph Perez, aka “Sentrock,” is a self-taught street artist from a Mexican-American background. His signature bird-mask symbol represents the search for freedom and self-expression. Sentrock’s art, which draws from his community’s experiences, has become a powerful voice for hope and liberation.
Sydnie & Haylie Jimenez
Sydnie and Haylie Jimenez are artists from Orlando, FL, with BFAs from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Their work centers on the representation of Black, Brown, and queer youth in America. They’ve exhibited at galleries such as Albertz-Benda (LA) and Mindy Solomon Gallery (Miami).
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