“‘Could’ve Zoomed Out’ — Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston Wows at Combine with Impressive Performance, Shining in Front of Scouts and Coaches, but the Cornerback Can’t Help but Express Frustration Over Camera Angle, Leading to Hilarious Comments and Memes on Social Media as Fans and Analysts React to His Unusual Critique of His Combine Coverage.”
Maxwell Hairston, the highly regarded cornerback from the University of Kentucky, has made a strong impression at the NFL Combine, showcasing his impressive athleticism, speed, and skill. However, in a surprising twist, it wasn’t his remarkable performance on the field that took center stage — it was his reaction to the camera angle that caught the attention of fans, analysts, and fellow athletes alike.
While performing drills and impressing NFL scouts with his agility, explosiveness, and coverage ability, Hairston quickly became the subject of conversation for a more light-hearted reason. The camera angle broadcasting his combine drills appeared to be less than flattering, and Hairston took to social media with a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the matter. In a post on his Twitter account, he remarked, “Could’ve zoomed out,” poking fun at how the cameras seemed to capture him in a less-than-ideal frame.
The comment quickly went viral, and fans took the opportunity to meme the situation, with some joking about the seemingly unflattering camera angle while others applauded Hairston for his candidness and sense of humor in the face of intense scrutiny. Hairston’s social media activity brought a sense of personality to an event that often focuses solely on the technical aspects of an athlete’s performance.
Despite the light-hearted nature of his critique, Hairston’s performance at the combine was nothing short of stellar. He showcased his 40-yard dash speed, clocking in at an impressive 4.39 seconds, which placed him among the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. Hairston’s quick footwork and ability to change direction on a dime impressed scouts and coaches, further bolstering his stock as one of the top defensive prospects.
It wasn’t just his physical ability that stood out, but also his mental approach to the combine drills. Hairston displayed an incredible understanding of his position, reacting to the ball and positioning himself expertly during drills that tested his coverage ability. His athleticism was complemented by his intelligence, making him one of the most well-rounded cornerbacks at the event.
While Hairston’s on-field performance had NFL teams excited, his off-field personality has also caught the attention of fans and analysts. His sense of humor and willingness to joke about the camera situation at such a high-stakes event helped humanize him in a way that is often rare at the combine. His willingness to show vulnerability and speak his mind made him a relatable figure, and his playful commentary added a refreshing twist to the otherwise intense atmosphere.
NFL prospects often face intense pressure at the combine, where every move is scrutinized, and every drill is analyzed down to the smallest detail. Hairston’s ability to not take himself too seriously and handle the spotlight with humor and grace is something that many scouts appreciate. “It’s refreshing to see someone so grounded and confident in their abilities,” one scout said. “Maxwell is obviously a talented player, but he also shows that he doesn’t get rattled by the pressure. That’s an important trait for any athlete, especially at the professional level.”
While the camera angle gaffe became a viral moment, it did not detract from Hairston’s impressive showing at the combine. If anything, it added a layer of charm to an already strong performance. As teams continue to evaluate cornerback prospects, Hairston’s mix of skill, character, and humor will undoubtedly keep him in the conversation as a potential top draft pick. Whether or not the camera gets a better shot next time, Maxwell Hairston has certainly made his mark on the 2025 NFL Draft Combine.
