Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was arrested Thursday evening for the second time in two months. According to the Montgomery County Jail website, Ward was taken into custody due to a warrant connected to a felony offense. Although no bail was listed for his release, court documents indicated that he would be released on Friday by court order. This latest development continues a tumultuous period for the veteran NFL player.
Attorney Says Ward Violated Release Terms, Denies New Charges or Allegations Filed
Ward’s attorney, Steve Jackson, explained to Houston’s NBC affiliate KPRC 2 that the arrest stemmed from a violation of Ward’s previous release terms, specifically testing positive for alcohol.
Jackson emphasized that Ward was not facing any new charges and was unaware that alcohol consumption was prohibited under his release conditions. As a result of this violation, Ward spent the night in jail. The Texans organization has declined to comment on the matter.
Jimmie Ward (NFL)Ward’s legal issues began in June when he was first arrested at his Magnolia, Texas home. He was charged with a felony related to domestic violence, specifically assaulting and strangling a family member. The woman involved claimed Ward had assaulted and threatened her, leading to the issuance of an emergency protective order.
Ward was released after posting $30,000 bail. His attorney stated that the case is set to be presented to a grand jury on August 31 and expressed confidence that Ward would be cleared of wrongdoing.
Texans, NFL Monitoring Ward’s Legal Case as Injury Keeps Him Off Field
The NFL acknowledged Ward’s initial arrest in June and confirmed it was in communication with the Texans regarding the situation. Texans General Manager Nick Caserio addressed the issue during the first day of training camp, stating the team would allow the legal process to run its course and comply with league guidelines. Caserio assured the media that the team would manage the outcome responsibly, whatever it may be.
Currently, Ward remains on the Texans’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a lingering foot injury sustained in Week 16 of the 2024 season. He has not participated in training camp. Ward, 34, signed with Houston in 2023 on a two-year, $13 million deal after nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He played 10 games in 2023 and was given a one-year contract extension in August 2024. Ward joined the Texans to reunite with head coach DeMeco Ryans, under whom he previously played in San Francisco.
