Maxwell Hairston was drafted into the NFL but he won over its heart before stepping onto the field.
The Buffalo Billsselected Hairston with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday and they got more than a speedy cornerback out of Kentucky. They took a guy who embodies team spirit — and proved it on one of football’s biggest nights.
Hairston was one of 15 prospects attending the draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and by sheer coincidence, or strategic planning, his seat was the closest to the main stage. That meant when each name was called and players made the emotional walk to shake NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand, they passed Hairston before revealing themselves in front of tens of thousands of fans. Hairston made sure none of them crossed paths without receiving his support.
Eleven of the prospects in attendance were selected before Hairston but the former first-time All-SEC selection was the first to stand up. It was a cornerback blitz of love.
Find yourself a Hype Man like Maxwell Hairston!
Love to see his genuine joy for his fellow draft prospects. #NFLDraft@UKFootballpic.twitter.com/NjtcrhERGu
— Lee K. Howard ☀️ (@HowardWKYT) April 25, 2025
With every pick, Hairston leapt to his feet, high-fiving, bear-hugging, flashing that contagious smile that lit up the green room with the biggest cheese in a town famous for it. He wasn’t just clapping from the sidelines. He was celebrating like a teammate. Like a family member. Like a super fan in attendance. For hours, he cheered, celebrated, and lifted the spirits of every draftee whose dream came true.
Hairston gave more meaningful hugs when it was his turn to be called: embracing his mother, Robin, and father, Marvin. Hairston wore a custom suit that featured a collage of his family members inside the jacket.
“They’re with me everywhere I go. I love my family, man. My biggest support system,” he said on stage during an NFL Network interview. “I can’t believe this is going on right now. I’m so thankful. I’m so blessed. I’m so happy to near my name called. It’s truly a dream come true.”
Tommy from Orchard Park, New York wished to announce the Bills 1st round pick ‼️
He welcomed Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston to the Bills Mafia with the 30th overall pick 👏 @makeawish and @makeawishwny@espncitizenshippic.twitter.com/Rdw76LgMTa
— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2025
Hairston can learn from two-time Pro Bowl selection Tre’Davious White, who shared the league lead in interceptions in 2019. They’re nearly identical in size with beaming smiles and infectious personalities.
Hairston is fast and athletic – he ran the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine – but what separates him is his energy and intensity heart. He showed that heart on draft night wearing a suit and tie.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Maxwell Hairston: Bills pick wins NFL Draft as ultimate hype man
Maxwell Hairston was drafted into the NFL but he won over its heart before stepping onto the field.
The Buffalo Billsselected Hairston with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday and they got more than a speedy cornerback out of Kentucky. They took a guy who embodies team spirit — and proved it on one of football’s biggest nights.
Hairston was one of 15 prospects attending the draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and by sheer coincidence, or strategic planning, his seat was the closest to the main stage. That meant when each name was called and players made the emotional walk to shake NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand, they passed Hairston before revealing themselves in front of tens of thousands of fans. Hairston made sure none of them crossed paths without receiving his support.
Eleven of the prospects in attendance were selected before Hairston but the former first-time All-SEC selection was the first to stand up. It was a cornerback blitz of love.
Find yourself a Hype Man like Maxwell Hairston!
Love to see his genuine joy for his fellow draft prospects. #NFLDraft@UKFootballpic.twitter.com/NjtcrhERGu
— Lee K. Howard ☀️ (@HowardWKYT) April 25, 2025
With every pick, Hairston leapt to his feet, high-fiving, bear-hugging, flashing that contagious smile that lit up the green room with the biggest cheese in a town famous for it. He wasn’t just clapping from the sidelines. He was celebrating like a teammate. Like a family member. Like a super fan in attendance. For hours, he cheered, celebrated, and lifted the spirits of every draftee whose dream came true.
Hairston gave more meaningful hugs when it was his turn to be called: embracing his mother, Robin, and father, Marvin. Hairston wore a custom suit that featured a collage of his family members inside the jacket.
“They’re with me everywhere I go. I love my family, man. My biggest support system,” he said on stage during an NFL Network interview. “I can’t believe this is going on right now. I’m so thankful. I’m so blessed. I’m so happy to near my name called. It’s truly a dream come true.”
Tommy from Orchard Park, New York wished to announce the Bills 1st round pick ‼️
He welcomed Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston to the Bills Mafia with the 30th overall pick 👏 @makeawish and @makeawishwny@espncitizenshippic.twitter.com/Rdw76LgMTa
— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2025
Hairston can learn from two-time Pro Bowl selection Tre’Davious White, who shared the league lead in interceptions in 2019. They’re nearly identical in size with beaming smiles and infectious personalities.
Hairston is fast and athletic – he ran the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine – but what separates him is his energy and intensity heart. He showed that heart on draft night wearing a suit and tie.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Maxwell Hairston: Bills pick wins NFL Draft as ultimate hype man
