Nate Burleson Sparked Debate With His Kentucky Derby Outfit

Should men wear shorts with suits?

That's the debate Nate Burleson sparked at the Kentucky Derby over the weekend. The former NFL wide receiver turned CBS media personality rocked shorts with his Derby-inspired suit at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Burleson, 44, rocked a roses-themed suit at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. But, rather than rocking a traditional suit pant, he opted for some shorts, sparking a debate about Kentucky Derby enthusiasts.

Yahoo! Sports asked everyone to grade Burleson's outfit on a scale from 1 to 10.

Fans were split. Some loved the look, while others said that shorts should never be worn with a suit.

"Grown Men and shorts? Heck no," one fan wrote.

"I LOVE Nate's clothing choices, like this one and also on Hollywood Squares...He gets my vote for best dressed!!!" one fan added.

"I give it a 2. The shorts are just bad," one fan added.

"I like that it's something different but kinda looks Christmasy. Still looks good," another fan added.

"It's a 10 for me!"

The Kentucky Derby has clear dress code guidelines

Burleson followed the guidelines, even if the shorts were a controversial choice to some.

"Derby fashion is all about style and tradition. For women, colorful dresses and bold hats are the norm. For men, seersucker suits, bow ties, and fedoras are popular. Comfort meets Southern charm!" the Derby describes.

"Men typically wear colorful suits or sports coats, often in bold prints, pastels, or preppy plaids. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and stylish loafers or dress shoes. A fedora or bowler hat adds a classic Derby touch. The key is polished, springtime flair-don't be afraid to stand out!"

What did you make of Burleson's shorts choice?

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 6:46 AM.