Houston Texans veteran safety Jimmie Ward was arrested on Thursday, June 12, on felony assault family violence charges, per the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander.
Ward, who has not been practicing during the Texans’ offseason program due to offseason foot surgery. He must now overcome a more significant hurdle.
The NFL has issued a statement on the matter.
“We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said on behalf of the league, per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson on June 12. “We have no further comment at this time.”
The Texans also released a statement.
“We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward,” Texans senior director of communications Omar Majzoub said in a statement, per Alexander. “We are gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”
Ward signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract to return to the Texans this offseason. He had 48 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
Ward also returned 1 INT touchdown for the Texans in 2024.
Details of Jimmie Ward’s Arrest Emerge
Police arrested the Texans vet, Ward, on accusations of “choking someone” at his home in Magnolia, Texas, per the Montgomery County Jail and Alexander. The incident occurred “around 5:30 a.m.” The complainant’s name remains undisclosed.
“Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to Ward’s home early Thursday where they met with the complainant,” Alexander wrote. “She alleges that she was assaulted, choked and threatened by Ward. An emergency protective order was filed in the case at the request of the complainant.”
That aligns with preliminary statements from the MCSO.
“Deputies made contact with the victim, who alleged she had been assaulted, strangled and threatened by her fiancé,” the sheriff’s office said, per TMZ on June 12, adding “Ward was taken into custody without further incident.”
Ward was released on a $30,0000 bond, per Wilson in a follow-up. Wilson also reported that the charge is of the “third degree.” Moreover, the MCSO “granted” the complainant’s EPO request.
Ward and the Texans are on break until training camp.
Texans Team Captain Jimmie Ward Arrested
Ward turns 34 in July and is entering his third season with the Texans. The veteran followed head coach DeMeco Ryans over from the San Francisco 49ers. He is also a two-time team captain for the Texans and “known for his impassioned speeches and hard hitting,” Alexander wrote.
“He was expected to take somewhat a reduced role with the addition of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, and the emergence of second-year Calen Bullock.”
Ryans said in May that Ward was trending toward readiness in time for training camp.
The veteran had already shed his walking boot and was running, per Wilson. The Texans still boast a deep secondary without him. However, replacing Ward’s leadership, and maybe even returning him to such a position, could prove far more challenging for the Texans.
Notably, the Texans can cut Ward without incurring any dead money against the salary cap. Per Over The Cap, the Texans have $15.2 million in space; far from dire straits.
