Maxwell Hairston: From Chosen One to Just Another Bust

Maxwell Hairston made headlines before the start of the regular season when he changed his jersey number from 31 to 1. 

Rather than just saying he wanted to wear a number he had in college, Hairston said that he changed it because it was him “realizing” that he’s “uno” and “the chosen one”. Hairston said he stood by that, but didn’t go into more detail as to why he believes he’s “the chosen one”.

Well, through four games into 2026, Hairston has done nothing to earn that nickname. If anything, he’s becoming just another one. Another one on the long list of defensive draft picks that never pan out for Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills. But we can talk about that another time.

Right now, let’s focus on Hairston. A cornerback who had, without question, the worst game of his career against the New England Patriots on Sunday. 

Being given the opportunity to step up in the absence of Christian Benford, Hairston instead allowed four catches on seven targets and two touchdowns. But that wasn’t the end of it. 

The two touchdowns allowed to Romeo Doubs are one thing. It’s the plays that truly cost Buffalo the game on defense that sum up Hairston’s day.

The first came on a 4th & 3. Hairston gave Doubs a 10-yard cushion, allowing the Patriots receiver to convert an easy short out route for a first down. 

On that same drive, the Bills got a sack on 3rd & goal that should’ve ended the drive with a field goal attempt. Instead, a Hairston holding penalty gave New England a fresh set of downs. Two plays later, Hairston allowed Doubes to score his second touchdown of the game. 

Finally, with a chance to get the ball back and give the Bills offense one more chance after Josh Allen’s late interception, Hairston failed to recognize the situation. Instead of coming up to help stop Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, he backed off and then slowly trotted over to the sideline, getting slower the closer he got.

The first down ended the game, sending the Bills to their first loss of the season and only a game up on New England in the AFC East.

After the game, it got even worse for Hairston. Rather than addressing his performance and speaking to the media, Hairston skipped his press availability and stormed out of the lockeroom. 

It even got a cryptic response from safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson that day on Instagram seemingly referencing Hairston, saying “I love IGB OVER DUDE ANYDAY 💯 #saidwhatisaid” 

Hairston apologized on Monday, a day when players don’t normally speak to the media. He said that he was feeling emotional, and he let his emotions get the better of him on Sunday. 

“I didn’t want to say something I might’ve regretted”, Hairston said.

While one can certainly understand that sentiment, the actions of Sunday far outweigh the words of Monday. Hairston was drafted in the first round last year to be an answer on the outside, and when times got their toughest, he couldn’t even accept accountability or responsibility for his play. 

And now he’s expected to be able to handle shutting down Puca Nacua and Davante Adams next week when the Bills head to Los Angeles to play the Rams? Call me a pessimist, but it’s hard to see that working out for him or the BIlls defense in general. 

But if things don’t change soon with Hairston’s play, it’s only a matter of time before fans are looking at him like another draft bust from Brandon Beane, Kaiir Elam.