Former NFL first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche arrested after allegedly stealing groceries

Former Cardinals defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche got caught in some hot water last week after a shoplifting incident.

Nkemdiche, 31, was allegedly caught by cops in Georgia walking out of a Kroger with groceries in his pants, TMZ Sports reported on Thursday.

The officer, who was conducting a business area check, said Nkemdiche had “many large objects, square and rectangular shapes, consistent with concealed grocery items, inside his sweatpants,” according to the outlet.

Robert Nkemdiche celebrates after a sack against Matthew Stafford during the Seahawks’ game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 21, 2021 in Inglewood, Calif. Getty Images

As Nkemdiche walked to a nearby gas station, the officer called for backup and put the former first-round pick in handcuffs.

According to the police, a representative for the Kroger store did not want to press charges over the purported stolen goods, but “did want Nkemdiche criminally trespassed from the establishment.”

What landed Nkemdiche behind bars, however, was multiple outstanding warrants across several states, three of which were in Georgia.

Due to the warrants, county officials asked the officer to place a hold on Nkemdiche, and he was ultimately taken to jail and booked.

This is not the first time Nkemdiche has gotten in trouble with the law, as the former University of Mississippi standout was charged with marijuana possession in 2015 after falling from the fourth floor of an Atlanta hotel during his time at Ole Miss.

In this Nov. 7, 2015, file photo, Mississippi defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche stretches before an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Oxford, Miss. AP

“I want to apologize to Rebel nation, my teammates and coaches for my actions last weekend,” he said in a statement through the school at the time. “I made a mistake and put myself in an environment that doesn’t reflect who I am as a person.”

The Cardinals selected Nkemdiche with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but he started just six games for the team.

After his time in Arizona, Nkemdiche had brief stints with the Dolphins, Seahawks and 49ers before being released by San Francisco ahead of the 2022 season.

Across his five-year NFL career, Nkemdiche made $13,891,301, according to Spotrac.

Since leaving the NFL, Nkemdiche has played for both the United States Football League and the Canadian Football League.