The addition of Maxwell Hairston infuses the Bills defense with a combination speed, swagger and style when it comes to as a football player. Buffalo's newest cornerback embodies those same traits even when he's not on the field.
During Friday's introductory visit to Buffalo, Hairston — who carries the nickname 'Mad Max'— shared that Bills Mafia will be seeing a lot more of his charismatic personality as he embarks on his NFL journey. The 30th overall pick teared up in the NFL Green Room Thursday night as he received the phone call from Bills GM Brandon Beane.
"This moment is everything. This moment is truly a dream come true, like I said, I bring my family with me cause I truly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them, and to be able to give them the master tour today that I got on my 30 visit, that meant a lot," said Hairston, the fastest defensive back in the 2025 class.
As Hairston embraced one of the biggest moments of his life, he made sure to give a special nod to his family. Hairston's silver and blue suit on the opening night of draft featured photos of his entire family, which included his two sisters, brother, mom, dad, grandma.
"Their support really is what keeps me going," Hairston said "They keep me level-headed, never let me get too high or too low. And I always got my family through thick and thin. Like, if I have a bad game, if I have a good game, I know I can always rely on my family. And they're just always there for me. And that's how it's been my entire life."
Hairston's immediate family members all live in West Bloomfield, MI — less than a five hour drive to Buffalo. All six flew in with Hairston from Green Bay to Buffalo Friday morning as the first round pick was introduced in Buffalo. Hairston distinctly remembered his pre-draft visit with the Bills earlier this month and nominated himself as the tour guide for his family as they walked around the team facility.
"I kind of surprised myself like, OK, you memorized the facility pretty good now. So, happy I could do that," Hairston laughed.
Hairston showed up to One Bills Drive in an all black suit with a black tie — all business. But don't get it twisted. Hairston may have to devote an entire house to show off his eye-catching style. The 21-year-old shared that he has his own clothing line.
"I'm big on shoes, big on clothes. My house in Kentucky, I had to have two rooms just to fit all my clothes and shoes in there," Hairston said.
The CB's swagger off the field translates to how he plays on the field. He wants to make a statement when he's in the game, and knows he has to have a next-play mentality at all times.
Scroll to see photos as Buffalo Bills 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston arrives at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
Buffalo Bills draft picks arrive at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, April 25, 2025.
"Just having short-term memory, but also just having swagger," he said "When I feel good, I play good, just having confidence and going out there and trusting that the man to the left of me is going to do his job, and the man to the right of me is going to do his job. So, we can go out there and play 110%."
During his time at Kentucky, Hairston grew close with RB Ray Davis, Buffalo's fourth-round pick in 2024. Davis and Hairston stayed connected when the former made the jump to the pros. Davis got the Michigan native tickets to see the Bills-Lions game at Ford Field last December.
"I got Max some tickets, and I was able to give him my jersey. And after, I remember he asked Josh for a photo. And I looked at Josh, and was like, he could be with us someday, man," Davis recalled.
That night, Hairston watched in awe as Josh Allen led the Bills to a 48-42 win with 400 total yards and four touchdowns.
"I know that Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the NFL," he said. "And watching him against Detroit, that dude was just – it looked like it was a video game the way he was out there making stuff happen out of nothing. And I'm just so excited to be a part of that and knowing that I can get Josh Allen the ball back."
Throughout the pre-draft process, Bills GM Brandon Beane did extensive homework on Hairston to learn how he could potentially fit with the defending AFC East champions. That included gathering personal stories from Davis.
"Ray speaks very highly of them," Beane said. "We always try to do that with the players that have played with guys on our team that know the Bills' culture and how we do things."
"Max is going to come in and be that energetic goofball, but when it's time to play ball, it's time to play ball. But he's going to love his teammates. He's going to love this city," Davis said. "He's just going to love everybody around him and you're going to feel it."
"I'm not a crier, and I've had to hold back so many tears. We talked on FaceTime, and we texted throughout. After he did his press stuff, we just kept saying, 'It's God, man, it's God.' This was something that we both wanted."
After receiving the phone call from Beane and the Bills, Hairston's next call was a FaceTime from Davis, followed by one from Allen.
"I actually had to tell Josh, I said if I ever pick you off in practice, I'm keeping that ball. You know, it's not personal, but you're kind of just that guy," Hairston joked.
"Being able to call him my teammate, it's truly an honor, and I can't wait to go out there and win some games with him."
As he begins his pro career, Hairston envisions himself as growing into a leader one day. He will graduate from Kentucky in May with a degree in community leadership and development.
"I can go into coaching. I can help the community. I can give back to not even just my home community, but anywhere. And, that's really why I wanted to major in that because I want to be able to help people. I want to be a resource for people," the corner shared.
The Bills plan to have an open competition this spring and summer for the No. 2 outside corner spot opposite Christian Benford. Hairston will be squarely in the mix for that spot.
"I just approach it with the same attitude that got me to this point, and that's just to put my head down to work. I want to learn, because this corner group, they have a lot of experience and guys that've done this for years. So I just want to be here, be a sponge, learn from guys, kind of follow their lead and just go out there and compete," he said.
