Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles' Josh Huff after run-in with police: What pro athlete doesn't have a gun?

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:46 p.m. ET

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Nunzio Ingrassia

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff on Wednesday explained why he was carrying a gun with hollow-point bullets one day after he was charged in New Jersey.

"I'm a professional athlete. What professional athlete don't have a gun?" Huff said, via ESPN. "I have a wife and I have a son at home. My job is to protect them at all costs, and my job is to protect myself as well even though I know I have security here, but I have to protect myself as well."

According to a court complaint, police pulled over Huff for speeding Tuesday in New Jersey, and  officers found a 9-mm handgun without a permit and a small amount of marijuana in his vehicle. Huff faces charges for possessing the gun without permit and a magazine with hollow-point bullets. He faces a disorderly persons offense for having less than 50 grams of marijuana, police said.

When asked Wednesday whether he believes every player in the league carries a gun, Huff said, “I do. Yes, I do.”

Fortunato Perri Jr., Huff’s attorney, said his client is licensed to carry in Texas and the gun was not loaded.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Huff is expected to play this week against the Giants and addressed the situation Wednesday.

"I'm disappointed for the choices they make," Pederson told reporters. "The spotlight is on everything we do. You have to be smart. You have to make right choices. Everything is magnified. But again, once they leave here, that's the hardest thing to get through."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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