NFL Star Jimmie Ward Arrested for Allegedly Cutting Off Victim’s Breathing During Domestic Altercation

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was taken into custody early Thursday morning following a domestic incident at his residence. According to Montgomery County Jail records, the 33-year-old NFL veteran was arrested shortly after 5:30 a.m. and later booked around 6:30 a.m. He is currently being held without bond.

Authorities have charged Ward with third-degree felony family assault, citing accusations that he impeded someone’s breathing. This escalated the charge beyond a standard assault offense.

The Houston Texans have acknowledged the situation but withheld further comment.

“We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward,” said Omar Majzoub, the team’s senior director of communications, in a statement to the Houston Chronicle. “We are gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”

Ward, a first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, spent the bulk of his career in the Bay Area. He played in both the 2020 and 2024 Super Bowls, where the 49ers fell short to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The veteran safety signed with Houston in 2023 on a two-year, $10.5 million deal, which was later extended in 2024. He played 10 games last season before a foot injury ended his campaign. Ward recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions.

Still recovering from surgery, Ward has yet to participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp. The Texans, who made the playoffs last season, were eliminated in the first round by the Chiefs.