Bills Central

Watch Bills' first-round draft pick get emotional with family after selection

Buffalo added the All-SEC CB to their secondary with the No. 30 pick in the first round of the draft

Khari Demos

Kentucky Wildcats cornerback Maxwell Hairston with his parents Robin Hairston and Marvin Hairston.
Kentucky Wildcats cornerback Maxwell Hairston with his parents Robin Hairston and Marvin Hairston. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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There's almost no bigger moment for future NFL rookies than the day they were drafted into the league. And it's even more special when captured without the player knowing.

The Buffalo Bills made Kentucky CB Max Hairston their first-round selection at No. 30 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hairston is a talented player who figures to slot into Buffalo's lineup fairly quickly alongside Christian Benford and Taron Johnson.

But even as big as this day is for him, he was not afraid to be vulnerable among his loved ones. Hairston was joined by his parents, Robin and Marvin Hairston, on Thursday night, with whom he got to share several personal moments.

And while the first embrace captures more of Maxwell's moment with his dad, there was also a moment he got to share with his mother. That may be the one that stands out for Maxwell, as he clung to his mother while he and his family watched NFL commissioner Roger Goddell announce the Bills were selecting him.

Maxwell Hairston
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Kentucky Wildcats cornerback Maxwell Hairston after he is selected by the Buffalo Bills as the number 30 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Maxwell is one of four Hairston kids, along with Alexandria, Marvin Jr., and Madison. Coming from a "tight-knit, no-excuses" family, that support system played a big part in Maxwell making his way to Buffalo.

"Maxwell’s parents, Robin and Marvin Hairston, built the blueprint," which was shared on College Football Network. "His dad, Marvin, is a boss in more ways than one. With an MBA in Operations Management from Wayne State and executive experience at SprayTek Inc., Marvin brought a businesslike mindset into parenting.

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"Marvin was structured in all the right ways. Whether academics or athletics, the Hairston kids were taught to show up, be sharp, and finish strong. And Maxwell did just that."

If there's anything we know about Maxwell's future in the NFL, it's that he'll have his family along for the ride.

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Khari Demos
KHARI DEMOS

Khari Demos is an award-winning sports media creator and is a contributor for Bills On SI. He has written sports betting article covering the NFL for The Athletic and has written pieces about the NBA, MLB, college football and basketball, and more, throughout his career.

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