Houston Texans starting strong safety Jimmie Ward has enjoyed a long 11-year career in the NFL. After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, Ward signed with the Texans as a free agent ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
In two years with Houston, Ward has played in just 20 of a possible 34 games, having missed substantial time due to injury. When he has played, though, Ward has been a difference maker. He has accumulated three interceptions in that time, including one that he returned for a touchdown last season.
However, his future with the team, and the NFL in general, is in question now with news of his recent arrest.
Houston Texans Safety Jimmie Ward Was Arrested for Domestic Violence
Last week, Ward was arrested in Magnolia, Texas for third degree felony assault. At the time, the nature of the charges were deemed to be family related.
According to Houston Public Media, “Police said deputies arrived at Ward’s residence in Magnolia, about 45 miles northwest of Houston, at around 4:30 a.m. Thursday in response to a report of an assault in progress. Upon arrival, deputies said the victim alleged that Ward, 33, had assaulted, strangled and threatened her. Ward was arrested without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office.”
If convicted, Ward faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Attorney for Houston Texans Safety Jimmie Ward Believes in Client’s Innocence
While the Texans and NFL are reserving judgement on the matter in their own right, Ward’s attorney urges the public to do the same because he believes the Houston safety will be vindicated during the upcoming proceedings.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, defense attorney Steve Jackson said, “We believe that Jimmie will be vindicated. We just ask that the public reserve judgment so that we can show everyone that the Jimmie Ward they all know is the same person and did not do this.”
While the legal proceedings play out, the NFL is also investigating the incident. Should they find that Ward is guilty of the things he is accused of doing, he could face a six-game suspension, which seems rather light for domestic violence.
