Former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche, once a first-round NFL draft pick who earned nearly $14 million during his professional career, now faces arrest after police caught him allegedly shoplifting groceries from a Georgia supermarket with items stuffed in his sweatpants.

Caught With Groceries in Sweatpants

An officer conducting a routine business area check spotted Nkemdiche, 31, walking out of a Kroger store with suspicious bulges in his clothing. The police report described many large objects with square and rectangular shapes consistent with concealed grocery items inside his sweatpants. When Nkemdiche walked toward a nearby gas station, the officer called for backup and detained him. While the Kroger representative declined to press charges over the alleged stolen goods, the store requested Nkemdiche be banned from the establishment.

Former NFL player Robert Nkemdiche was busted for allegedly smuggling groceries.
(Walking out the store with groceries in his drawls)

Police found frozen grocery items, candy bars and almond milk were found after a search of the Kroger and gas station parking lots. pic.twitter.com/jJvmniDGQ1

— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) March 4, 2026

Outstanding Warrants Lead to Jail

The shoplifting incident itself did not land Nkemdiche behind bars. Instead, authorities discovered multiple outstanding warrants across several states, including three in Georgia alone. County officials instructed the officer to place a hold on Nkemdiche, leading to his arrest and booking at the local jail. This marks another troubling chapter for the former University of Mississippi standout, who previously faced marijuana possession charges in 2015 after falling from the fourth floor of an Atlanta hotel during his college years.

From Millions to Misdemeanors

The Cardinals selected Nkemdiche with the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but his professional career never matched expectations. He started just six games in Arizona before brief stints with the Dolphins, Seahawks, and 49ers ended when San Francisco released him before the 2022 season. Despite earning $13,891,301 across five NFL seasons, Nkemdiche now plays in lower-tier leagues including the United States Football League and Canadian Football League. The contrast between his former earning power and alleged petty theft raises questions about financial management among professional athletes who experience sudden career endings.