HOUSTON, TX - Veteran safety Jimmie Ward was arrested early Thursday morning in Montgomery County and later released on $30,000 bail, according to court records and local reporting. Ward, 33, is facing a serious charge of assault family violence impeding breath/circulation, a third-degree felony under Texas law.
Deputies were dispatched to Ward's home at approximately 5:30 a.m., where his fiancée alleged he had assaulted, strangled, and threatened her. She has since filed an emergency protective order. The Houston Texans and league officials have acknowledged awareness of the arrest and say they are monitoring the legal process.
Ward, who is currently recovering from offseason foot surgery, has not participated in organized team activities.
FROM LAS VEGAS TO HOUSTON (AGAIN?)
Ward most recently suited up for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he spent the last two seasons and helped the team reach the AFC title game this past season. The longtime veteran played a critical role in the Raiders’ secondary, logging 18 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and two forced fumbles during Season 32.
Though not officially announced, Ward is expected to return to the Texans for Season 33-his second stint with the franchise after three seasons there earlier in his career. Whether that reunion moves forward now remains to be seen.
"We've seen off-field incidents derail player contracts before," said one league insider. "Depending on how this develops, the Texans may have a difficult decision to make."
A CAREER UNDER REVIEW
Originally drafted in Season 6, Ward has played for six different teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Raiders. He has totaled over 200 career appearances and remained a key veteran presence deep into his career. He's long been respected as a film junkie, physical enforcer, and locker room voice.
But with the nature of the charges and the timing-mere weeks before training camps open-the future of Ward's career hangs in the balance.
