Former Bills Player Arrested Hours After Release Amid Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct

Former Bills Player Arrested Hours After Release Amid Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct

Buffalo, New York – November 5, 2025

A difficult day for the Buffalo Bills took an unfortunate turn Tuesday night, when just hours after a player was released from the roster, he was arrested in downtown Buffalo on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, according to multiple local reports.

Witnesses said the incident occurred late Tuesday evening, only a few hours after the player was informed of his release — a move the Bills made to create roster flexibility following the trade deadline. Those at the scene described him as “visibly emotional” and “appearing intoxicated,” pacing and shouting outside a restaurant near the Chippewa Street entertainment district.

Police arrived at approximately 9:40 p.m., after several bystanders called to report a disturbance. According to the Buffalo Police Department, the individual initially refused to comply with officers’ instructions, prompting them to briefly restrain him. No injuries were reported, but he was taken into custody and charged with multiple misdemeanors.

Sources later confirmed that the individual arrested was wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, a 28-year-old player who had been released earlier that same afternoon. Wilkerson, an undrafted free agent out of Southeast Missouri State in 2020, signed with the Buffalo Bills during the 2025 offseason and served as a depth wideout and special teams contributor before being released on November 4 — just after the NFL trade deadline.

Those who’ve worked with Wilkerson expressed shock and concern rather than frustration. One former teammate said, “That doesn’t sound like Kristian at all. He’s quiet, professional, and one of the hardest-working guys in the building.”

Head coach Sean McDermott addressed the situation early Wednesday morning with a statement filled with empathy and care:

“He’s a man of great character and has always given everything to this team. Sometimes life puts weight on our shoulders that’s heavier than we can imagine, and it’s hard to hear news like this. He’s always been a great teammate, always worked hard from day one. Everyone goes through tough times, and when we heard the news, our first priority was making sure he was safe and getting the support he needed. Football comes second — the person comes first.”

Wilkerson was released on bail Wednesday morning and is expected to appear in court later this month. The Bills confirmed they are working with the NFL Player Support and Wellness Program to ensure he receives proper assistance.

For many within the organization, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the emotional toll and instability that depth players face, especially during the uncertain stretch after the trade deadline.

In Buffalo, the focus isn’t on punishment — it’s on understanding, compassion, and hope that Kristian Wilkerson can rise again, overcoming what may be the toughest battle of his career — the one off the field.