Former Clemson football DT Christian Wilkins was ejected from the Dolphins-Bills game Sunday afternoon after throwing a punch.
As a Clemson Tiger, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was part of an elite unit that featured Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, and Austin Bryant. Each of these players, with the exception of Bryant, was a first-round draft pick in last April’s NFL draft.
Wilkins was known for his high character and great run defense. In Sunday’s game as a member of the Miami Dolphins starting defense, Wilkins was ejected on the second play against their division rival the Buffalo Bills.
The play began as an incomplete pass from QB Josh Allen to slot receiver Cole Beasley. Wilkins had been lined up against Bills’ right tackle Cody Ford. While pass blocking, Ford had pushed Wilkins out of the play to the rightside of the field and continued to push and shove Wilkins well after the pass was ruled incomplete and the play was dead.
Wilkins reacted with a right hook to Ford’s helmet. The end result for the punch was an ejection for the rookie defensive end.
Wilkins was taken with the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft. While at Clemson, he had 192 total tackles, 16 sacks, two forced fumbles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass defenses and four fumble recoveries.
Wilkins became the starter in Dolphins training camp this year where he has excelled through the first six games, all losses for Miami. So far this season, Wilkins has 18 tackles, zero sacks, and one pass deflection.
And now, one game ejection.
Christian Wilkins was remorseful following the game and told the media his actions were “extremely selfish.” The young defensive tackle will learn from his mistake and certainly come back better as a result.
The Dolphins are now 0-6 on the season, losing more games this year than Wilkins did in his entire career at Clemson.