The NFL knows that legal issues will arise every single year. Having a league full of 20-year-old multi-millionaires can create for some questionable situations. However, today reports are surfacing that a long-time veteran found himself behind bars.
“His Court Date Is Set” NFL Sees 126-Game Star Arrested On Disturbing Charges During Training Camp (Report)
Nov 18, 2019; Mexico City, MEX; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attends the NFL International Series game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers at Estadio Azteca. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 18, 2019; Mexico City, MEX; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attends the NFL International Series game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers at Estadio Azteca. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmie Ward, a veteran safety for the Texans, was arrested in Montgomery County again on Thursday evening:
Ward, 34, was arrested and charged in June on a third-degree felony domestic violence case involving his son’s mother. She filed for and was granted an emergency protective order preventing any contact with Ward.
The Texans had no immediate comment on Ward’s legal situation.
Ward has been assigned an Aug. 13 initial court date before Judge Lisa Michalk on a third-degree charge of alleged strangulation stemming from an early-morning arrest in June, he remains on the Texans’ roster.
Ward, who isn’t healthy enough to practice due to foot surgery this offseason and is on the active-physically unable to perform list, reported for training camp.
The NFL is investigating the matter under its personal conduct policy. Depending on how the case is adjudicated, Ward could be suspended by the NFL. Ward threatened to kill the woman and she feared for her life, she alleged in court documents. He is free on $30,000 bail.
Nov 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) is introduced before playing against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) is introduced before playing against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio commented on the arrest when training camp began
“With Jimmy, it’s unfortunate any time something like that happens and comes out in the news and that happens to one of your players,” said Ryans, who also coached Ward with the San Francisco 49ers and recruited him to join the Texans. “Jimmy is a guy that I’ve known the longest. Since I first started in the NFL I’ve worked with Jimmy. I know the type of guy he is, and we’ll just let the legal situation play itself out.”
A former team captain, Ward is represented by Conroe-based attorney Steven Jackson. Jackson told KPRC 2 that his client will be “vindicated” and asked that people “reserve judgment” until Ward can defend himself in court.
Ward is eligible to play for the Texans once he’s healthy, but it’s unclear whether they plan to have him practice while he’s dealing with his case.
“Yeah, working through that,” Caserio said in response to a question about Ward’s status with the defending AFC South champions. “Kind of let the legal process take care of itself. We have been in contact with the league. We will work with the league. We will be compliant on our end, do the best we can.
“So, I think it’s day-to-day, but kind of let that process kind of take care of itself. Whatever the outcome is we’ll handle it accordingly.”
#Texans Nick Caserio on Jimmie Ward legal situation a third degree felony charge in Montgomery County. Has an Aug. 13 court date attorney Steven Jackson told @KPRC2 he expects Ward to be ‘vindicated’ @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/r5J3NOeXPr
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 23, 2025
Ward is under contract after signing a one-year contract extension last year. He originally joined the team in the 2023 offseason on a two-year, $13 million deal.
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning as the nineteenth overall pick to the New Orleans Saints during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning as the nineteenth overall pick to the New Orleans Saints during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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