Former NFL first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche arrested in Georgia

Former NFL first-round draft pick and CFL defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche was arrested in Georgia last week following an alleged shoplifting incident, adding to a growing list of off-field legal issues for the once-promising athlete.

Shoplifting incident leads to arrest
According to reports, an officer conducting a business area check witnessed Nkemdiche leaving a Kroger grocery store with what appeared to be concealed items in his sweatpants. When stopped at a nearby gas station, the items—reportedly including frozen groceries, candy bars, and almond milk—were no longer in his possession but were found in the parking lot. The store declined to press charges for theft, though Nkemdiche was issued a criminal trespass warning. However, during the encounter, police discovered multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest in Georgia and other states, leading to his booking.

Troubled past for former top prospect
The 31-year-old Atlanta native was once the top high school recruit in the country and a standout at Ole Miss before being selected 29th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2016 NFL Draft. His professional career never reached its potential; across 38 NFL games with the Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, he recorded 59 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Most recently, he played four games for the Edmonton Elks of the CFL in 2024, registering two sacks before being released due to injury. This is not his first brush with the law—Nkemdiche has faced previous arrests including drug possession in 2015, speeding and license-related charges in 2019, and a DUI and disorderly conduct arrest earlier this year.

Nkemdiche remains in legal jeopardy as he faces charges including failure to appear, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, simple assault, and terroristic threats. None of the allegations have been proven in court.