‘Protected by God’: Bills Rookie Credits Faith After First Career Interception

Published: November 6, 2025

By Mallory Mattingly

Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston finally got to play for fans after he returned from injury he suffered during training camp before the start of the season.

In his Highmark Stadium debut, Hairston “helped hold speedster Xavier Worthy to only three catches for 23 yards, and the rookie collected his first NFL interception off Mahomes to maintain Buffalo’s seven-point lead with 4:18 left in the game. On multiple occasions — including the interception — Hairston matched Worthy stride for stride down the field,” Sports Spectrum reported.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!
First game in Highmark stadium, first career INT !!! AGTG🙏🏾

— MadMax ¹ᵏ (@MHairston22) November 3, 2025

After the game, Hairston told the media, “I won’t lie. Beginning of the game, I was a little nervous. But I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m here for a reason.’ Bills Mafia’s the best, and I was happy to be able to play in front of them.”

He also revealed his routine before every drive he plays.

“I go out there; I pray before every drive,” Hairston said in the press conference after the game. “I just play with confidence and play free knowing that I’m protected by God, and He came through. I got my first interception off Pat Mahomes.”

The knee injury he suffered during training camp sidelined him for the first several games of the season.

“When Hairston suffered the injury, fellow defensive back Christian Benford quickly came over and prayed for him. The moment was captured in an episode of HBO’s HARD KNOCKS,” Sports Spectrum said.

Last month, Hairston spoke to the media and discussed his recovery from the injury that he initially thought it was much worse.

“When I found out what the injury really was, I was just happy that it wasn’t, like, an ACL or something surgical,” the cornerback said. “When I found out that it was something that could be healed without surgery, I didn’t complain. I just kind of took it to the chin and just looked at it as a blessing in disguise. Just trust in my Lord and Savior and never lose the faith.”

His rookie season hasn’t been what he thought it would be, but God still has a plan for Hairston. Regardless, the rookie cornerback will continue to remain faithful to the Lord.

The Bills will hit the road and face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 p.mm. ET. The last time Buffalo played the Dolphins, they beat Miami 31-21. The Bills are looking to repeat that success.

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