Quick Read
- Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker was arrested at LaGuardia Airport on January 23, 2026.
- He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon after a 9mm Glock pistol and 36 rounds of ammunition were found in his checked luggage.
- Walker’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, stated the gun is legally licensed in Wisconsin and Walker was unaware of New York’s specific travel laws.
- Walker was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on March 19th.
- The incident occurs just weeks before Walker is set to enter NFL free agency, potentially impacting his contract negotiations.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker was arrested at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, January 23, 2026, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents discovered a handgun and ammunition in his checked luggage. The 25-year-old NFL player faces criminal possession of a weapon charges, a development that comes just weeks before he is set to enter the NFL’s highly anticipated free agency period, potentially complicating his contract prospects.
The Incident at LaGuardia
The arrest occurred Friday morning when Walker attempted to check a bag containing a 9mm Glock pistol and 36 rounds of ammunition, according to prosecutors and confirmed by the New York Post. Walker reportedly informed a Delta Air Lines employee that his luggage contained a locked box holding his firearm. Port Authority police were subsequently alerted and responded to Terminal C, where they located the weapon and ammunition secured within the locked case. Walker, standing 6-foot-6, was taken into custody just before 11 a.m. local time.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Following his arrest, Rasheed Walker was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. He appeared in Queens County Criminal Court later on Friday and was released on his own recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 19th. Walker’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, stated to the New York Post that the firearm is legally licensed in Wisconsin, where Walker plays for the Packers, and that the offensive tackle was unaware of New York’s specific laws regarding traveling with a licensed weapon. Aidala expressed confidence that the case would be dismissed, emphasizing that Walker had disclosed the presence of the firearm to airline personnel.
Implications for NFL Free Agency
The timing of Walker’s arrest is particularly notable given his impending status as an unrestricted free agent. His four-year rookie contract, signed after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Penn State, concluded with the 2025 season. The NFL’s free agency tampering period is slated to begin on March 9th, with the new league year commencing on March 11th. Walker started 16 games for the Packers in the 2025 season, playing a crucial role in their playoff run, which ended in the Wild Card round against the Chicago Bears. As noted by Acme Packing Company, this legal situation could significantly affect his market value during free agency negotiations, potentially impacting not only his future earnings but also the compensatory draft picks the Packers might receive if he signs elsewhere. Teams typically prioritize signing key free agents early in the new league year, and any lingering legal uncertainty could deter potential suitors or reduce contract offers.
Broader Context for NFL Players
This incident is not isolated in the realm of NFL players encountering legal issues related to firearms or airport security. Earlier in January, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison had a trespassing allegation against him dropped after an arrest in Tampa, Florida. While the specifics of each case vary, such incidents highlight the scrutiny NFL players face and the potential legal complexities of interstate travel with firearms, even when legally owned in one’s home state. The NFL has its own personal conduct policy, and while the league has not yet commented on Walker’s situation, such incidents are typically reviewed for potential disciplinary action.
The confluence of a high-profile arrest, the legal defense emphasizing a misunderstanding of state-specific gun laws, and the immediate proximity to the NFL free agency period creates a critical juncture for Rasheed Walker, where legal outcomes could directly influence his professional trajectory and the Green Bay Packers’ strategic roster planning for the upcoming season.