Maxwell Hairston is back in the jersey number that fits him best, and he’s not being shy about why he wanted it.
When the Bills released their initial Week 1 depth chart against Houston, the switch jumped out right away: Hairston was listed as No. 1 after wearing No. 31 during his rookie season in Buffalo. On Thursday, the second-year cornerback made it clear the change was deliberate.
“[It was] just me realizing I'm uno,” he said via WKBW's Matt Bové. "I'm the chosen one, and I stand by that. And that's just me getting back into my number I've always had."
The move takes Hairston back to a look he already embraced in college. At Kentucky, he opened his first three seasons in Lexington wearing No. 31 before taking No. 1 in his third year after Bills teammate Ray Davis left for the NFL.
His path to that number in Buffalo took a little more waiting. The Bills initially had Curtis Samuel wearing it, then Mecole Hardman Jr. after Samuel was let go. Once Hardman was released, Hairston was finally able to make the change before the regular season.
"Once I got 31 here, knowing I got 31 at Kentucky to begin with and switch to 1, that was my plan," he said. "It was just a matter of time."
For Hairston, though, the number change is only part of the story. He’s also trying to win back his place in a crowded Bills secondary after a rough stretch with injuries. The 23-year-old missed a significant amount of time as a rookie, and the same issue followed him into training camp, where he sat out most of it and didn’t get on the field until the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In Other News...
Drake Maye Just Reinforced Josh Allens Grip On The AFC East
Drake Mayes 2026 season opener was the kind of start that does little to shake up the AFC East hierarchy. Even with better help around him in New England, the Patriots quarterback had a rough afternoon against Seattle, throwing three interceptions and finishing with a 54.9 passer rating in a loss to a Seahawks defense that made life difficult from the start.
For Buffalo, the bigger takeaway is familiar: Josh Allen still sits comfortably at the top of the divisions quarterback pecking order. Maye is still trying to find steadier footing and prove he can consistently move the Patriots forward, but this debut only underscored how much ground New England still has to make up before it can seriously threaten the Bills in the AFC East. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Punt Return Battle Finally Has A Week 1 Front-Runner
The Bills have at least put a temporary pin in one of their quieter training camp competitions, naming Dee Alford as their primary punt returner on the first unofficial depth chart for the season opener against the Houston Texans. It is only a starting point, of course, but it gives Buffalo a clearer picture heading into Week 1 and puts Alford in position to handle a role that can swing field position in a hurry.
Ray Davis and Khalil Shakir are next in line on the depth chart, giving the Bills a couple of familiar options behind Alford as they sort out special teams roles for the opener. Buffalo also has veteran return specialist Greg Dortch on the practice squad, and his presence gives the team another possible answer if the need arises as the roster gets finalized for game day. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Allen Faces A Week 1 Problem Bills Fans Know Too Well
Josh Allens track record in Houston is one of those quirks Bills fans know by heart, and it does not exactly inspire comfort heading into another matchup with the Texans. Across four road starts against Houston, including the postseason, Allen has had a hard time finding rhythm, with the Texans consistently closing down the pocket and making life difficult for Buffalos offense.
Houstons pass rush has been a major reason why, with All-Pro edge players Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter helping turn Allens mobility into less of a weapon than usual. Buffalo is hoping a new wrinkle in the receiving room can help change the equation, especially against a defense that likes to challenge quarterbacks with man coverage. [Read more 🡒]