Shemar Stewart may have just started his NFL journey, but he’s already looking ahead to some exciting AFC showdowns. After being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Texas A&M star had a playful message for his friend and fellow rookie Maxwell Hairston: “Sorry Max.”
Shemar Stewart Playfully Warns Maxwell Hairston Ahead Of Bills-Bengals Showdowns
Stewart’s two-word warning came after Hairston was drafted late in the first round by the Buffalo Bills. With both players now set to suit up for two of the AFC’s top contenders, the Bengals-Bills rivalry just gained a new layer of personal competition.
“Sorry Max..” 😂
Shemar Stewart on future Bills/Bengals matchups.. having to face his guy Maxwell Hairston. @MHairston22 @ShemarStewart14 @Bengals @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/38JrsC2euO
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) April 28, 2025
Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 267-pound defensive end, is one of his class’s most athletically gifted prospects. His standout performance at the NFL Combine even drew comparisons to Myles Garrett, another Texas A&M legend and current Cleveland Browns star. Stewart is expected to sign a four-year, $18.9 million deal with Cincinnati, complete with a fifth-year option, a reflection of how highly the Bengals view his potential.
On the other side, Hairston also made waves at the NFL Combine, running the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.28 seconds. The Kentucky standout, who earned second-team All-SEC honors despite missing five games due to a shoulder injury, was a major late-first-round steal for Buffalo. Hairston’s rookie deal with the Bills is projected to be worth $13.85 million over four years, with a hefty signing bonus of over $6.7 million.
The friendly back-and-forth between Stewart and Hairston adds a fun storyline to what is already one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries. The Bills and Bengals have clashed in high-stakes matchups over the past few seasons, including dramatic playoff battles. With both teams consistently competing for AFC supremacy, adding two young, talented rookies will only make future meetings even more entertaining.
Stewart’s “Sorry Max” response perfectly captures the spirit of competitive camaraderie. While the two may have been teammates in spirit during their college days and through the draft process, they’ll now find themselves on opposite sides of the field, fighting for conference glory.
KEEP READING: Maxwell Hairston NIL: How Much Are the Kentucky CB’s NIL Deals Worth?
Fans should expect fireworks whenever Cincinnati and Buffalo meet, especially with Stewart chasing down quarterbacks and Hairston locking down receivers. As both rookies develop into key pieces for their respective franchises, their matchups could become must-watch moments in a rivalry filled with passion and history.
One thing is clear: Stewart and Hairston are ready to bring the heat and are not sorry.
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