Cincinnati Bengals Receiver Tee Higgins Ventures into Fashion
Tee Higgins, the wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, enjoyed one of the standout seasons of his career recently. With a personal best of 11 touchdown receptions, he also earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Now, the relatively quiet star is exploring a new path in the fashion world.
He has teamed up with Express to unveil their latest collection of fall clothing. In a conversation with SB Nation, Higgins shared insights about this new venture and discussed his plans for both himself and the Bengals leading into 2026.
JB: So, how are you doing?
TH: I’m good, feeling blessed.
JB: That’s great to hear. Can you tell me how your collaboration with Express came about? I’m guessing Joe Burrow or Ja’Marr Chase might have had something to do with it.
TH: Not really. Sure, those guys have a great fashion sense, but I’m more of a simple guy.
JB: How did the new line come together?
TH: I was actually searching for a style that suits me—simple yet good. Then Express reached out, which made sense since I was already looking at their site for clothes. So it kind of came together seamlessly.
JB: Switching gears to football, how did camp go for you this summer?
TH: It’s been challenging. The defense has looked really sharp, giving us some tough looks that we’re not used to, especially with the new guys stepping up. It’s definitely helping our back seven improve.
JB: Is it strange being the only team in your division with the same head coach?
TH: Yeah, it’s pretty wild. Zac is the only returning head coach; the others have all changed—like in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cleveland.
JB: It’s interesting how you guys have the most continuity in the division. How’s Joe looking? Last season was rough with his toe injury, and he missed a lot of time. Is it taking long to rebuild that chemistry?
TH: Not really. We’ve been playing together for almost seven years, so we know each other’s game pretty well. I can anticipate where he’s going to throw the ball, and he understands my routes. Honestly, it hasn’t been hard to reconnect.
JB: You and Ja’Marr seem to have set the standard for dynamic receiver duos. Other teams are trying to replicate that, like with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philly. What continues to make you two the top duo?
TH: We’re unselfish. It’s not about who gets the glory as long as we win. Plus, we’re really good friends, and that definitely makes a difference.
JB: And you mentioned the defense… now with Dexter Lawrence joining the practice squad, how does that impact the offensive line’s preparations?
TH: They’re up against a top-tier defensive tackle every day, which is great practice for facing other elite defensive lines later in the season.
JB: Speaking about the secondary, what do you think of Dax Hill, D.J. Turner, and Bryan Cook? They seem underrated. What’s their development like from your perspective?
TH: They’ve made great strides. Bryan’s addition is a plus, and D.J. is coming back strong. Dax looks good too. Jordan Battle is stepping up into a leadership role, and I’ve got to highlight DJ Ivey. He didn’t see much action last year, but now he’s really making waves and could be a significant asset for us this season.
JB: Is there an unsung hero on offense who might surprise everyone this year?
TH: I think some of our younger receivers, like Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers, have been stepping up. They’re really starting to shine.
JB: What are your main goals for 2026?
TH: I made the Pro Bowl last year, but this time I want to be selected on the first ballot. Of course, hitting that 1,000-yard mark is always a target. Team-wise, we’re focused on the Super Bowl. It’s been a long time since our appearance in 2021, and I’ve tasted that experience—I want to win it all.
JB: Does the constant talk about the playoff drought get tiring?
TH: Absolutely. The outside noise can be frustrating, but we just need to stay focused, take things one game at a time, and change that narrative.
JB: Alright, good luck this season, and thanks for chatting.
TH: Appreciate it!
