A University of Calgary (UofC) football player went viral after making an unexpected debut on one of fashion’s biggest runways.
Gavin Weiss, an 18-year-old student and running back for the Dinos, captured online attention after walking in a recent Gucci runway show in Milan.
The show marked the first collection for creative director Demna, who presented the brand’s fall 2026 lineup with a mix of established names and emerging faces.
High-profile talent like Vivian Wilson and Kate Moss appeared on the stage alongside lesser-known faces, like Weiss.
Despite it being his first major runway appearance, Weiss quickly became one of the show’s most talked-about moments.
He wore a skin-tight polo and jeans with a wax finish – but Weiss told Vogue his favourite part of the outfit was his watch.
During rehearsals for the Milan show, Weiss worked with the design team to develop a character, ultimately delivering a bold, hyper-masculine stride.
Social media users circulated clips of his confident, exaggerated walk, with many praising the return of a more athletic, muscular look on the runway.
One X user called Weiss a “nice find, Gucci!”
House of Canadian Sports playfully posted a pop-punk art piece on Instagram, naming Weiss “The Runway Runningback.”
Weiss, who is signed with Mode Models International in Canada, balanced preparations for the show with his studies and football training in Calgary.
The 18-year-old began playing football as a teenager and recently completed his first season with the university team.
While Weiss resumes training with the UofC program ahead of next season in August, his runway debut has already placed the Calgary student firmly on the international fashion radar.