Former NFL First-Round Pick Arrested for Alleged Grocery Theft

Robert Nkemdiche faces charges after incident at Georgia Kroger store

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Former NFL defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche was arrested in Georgia last week for allegedly shoplifting groceries from a Kroger supermarket. Police say Nkemdiche was caught with 'many large objects, square and rectangular shapes, consistent with concealed grocery items, inside his sweatpants' as he was leaving the store. Nkemdiche was also found to have outstanding warrants in multiple states, leading to his arrest and booking.

Why it matters

Nkemdiche was a first-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 but struggled to find consistent playing time in the NFL. This latest incident adds to Nkemdiche's history of off-field issues, which have included a 2015 arrest for marijuana possession while in college. The case raises questions about Nkemdiche's post-NFL struggles and the challenges some players face transitioning out of professional sports.

The details

According to reports, a police officer conducting a business area check saw Nkemdiche, 31, allegedly walking out of the Kroger store with groceries hidden in his sweatpants. When the officer called for backup and confronted Nkemdiche, the former player reportedly walked to a nearby gas station where he was placed under arrest. While the Kroger store did not want to press charges, Nkemdiche was ultimately booked due to multiple outstanding warrants across several states.

  • The incident occurred last week in Georgia.

The players

Robert Nkemdiche

A former NFL defensive lineman who was a first-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2016. Nkemdiche has struggled with off-field issues throughout his professional and college career.

Kroger

A major supermarket chain where the alleged shoplifting incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“I want to apologize to Rebel nation, my teammates and coaches for my actions last weekend. I made a mistake and put myself in an environment that doesn't reflect who I am as a person.”

— Robert Nkemdiche (Associated Press)

What’s next

Nkemdiche is expected to face charges related to the alleged shoplifting incident as well as the outstanding warrants in multiple states.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges some former professional athletes face in transitioning to life after sports, with off-field issues and legal troubles compounding the difficulties of adjusting to a new reality. It also raises questions about the support systems in place for players as they navigate life after the NFL.