Former NFL defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was reportedly arrested in New Jersey over a week ago on multiple charges.According to TMZ Sports, Wilkerson was arrested early in the morning of December 22.
He failed field sobriety tests and police found an open bottle of tequila and a loaded gun in his vehicle.
Wilkerson allegedly told police he bought the gun in Florida but didn’t have the proper paperwork, which is why he was charged with illegal possession of a handgun and driving a vehicle under influence.
Wilkerson, 34, spent eight seasons in the NFL, mostly as a member of the New York Jets.
Originally selected by the Jets with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Temple, Wilkerson spent his first seven seasons in New York, appearing in 105 games for Gang Green.
He was recognized for his great statistical seasons in 2013 and 2015, as he was named second-team All-Pro each time.In 2013, Wilkerson recorded 63 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
In 2015, which was also his only Pro Bowl season, he had 64 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, along with a career-high 12 sacks.
After a decline in production in 2016 and 2017, the Jets released Wilkerson and he signed to play for the Green Bay Packers.
Wilkerson played just three games for the Packers in 2018 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
This proved to be the final act of Wilkerson’s career, as he never signed elsewhere after his one-year contract with Green Bay expired.
After unofficially retiring from football, Wilkerson was arrested for DWI in both 2019 and 2020.
The second time he was arrested, he was also charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to TMZ Sports.
