Former Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson ‘charged after police find an open bottle of tequila and a handgun loaded with 11 bullets inside his car’

Former New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has reportedly been charged after police found an open bottle of tequila and a loaded handgun inside his car.

The 34-year-old, a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, was arrested in New Jersey on December 22, according to TMZ.

Wilkerson faces several charges including operating a vehicle while under the influence and unlawful possession of a loaded handgun.

Reports claim the former defensive end was initially pulled over shortly before 7am and when police searched his vehicle they found an open bottle of Don Julio and an FN 509 Tactical Handgun loaded with 11 hollow point bullets. The gun was tucked beneath his seat.

The former pass rusher was previously arrested in both 2019 and 2020 for DWI (driving while intoxicated). He is reportedly due in court in February.  

The 34-year-old, a first-round pick in 2011, was arrested in New Jersey on December 22

Police are said to have reported that Wilkerson failed sobriety tests and his car smelt of alcohol. 

Accroding to TMZ, documents show that the 34-year-old, a Pro-Bowler in 2015, told police he was coming from a nightclub in New York City.

The gun, meanwhile, was reportedly bought in Florida, though police claim Wilkerson did not provide full documentation for the firearm.

Now 34, Wilkerson spent seven seasons in New York, after being selected as the No 30 overall pick in 2011. 

He was released by the Jets in 2018 and went on to spend a season with the Green Bay Packers.