This week, Derrick Ward, a former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion, made headlines as he was arrested in Los Angeles for his alleged involvement in multiple robberies across the city. The 43-year-old Los Angeles native is accused of targeting various businesses, including gas stations, during a recent period.
Law enforcement sources reported that while Ward did not employ a firearm in these alleged robberies, he is said to have used force and instilled fear to compel businesses to hand over money. The incidents led to his arrest on Monday afternoon, and he was subsequently booked into jail around 6:30 PM. According to his booking information, Ward stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 230 lbs.
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Who is Derrick Ward?
Ward, a former 7th-round pick in the 2004 NFL draft, enjoyed an illustrious 8-year professional football career, playing for teams such as the NY Jets, NY Giants, Tampa Bay Bucs, and Houston Texans. Notably, he was part of the NY Giants’ Super Bowl-winning team that defeated Tom Brady’s undefeated New England Patriots in the climactic game of the 2007 season.
Despite not utilizing a firearm, Ward’s alleged use of force and fear to commit these robberies underscores the severity of the charges against him. The former NFL player, who at one point signed a substantial $17 million contract, had a significant impact on the field, playing in 93 NFL games and accumulating 2,628 rushing yards along with a total of 15 touchdowns, 12 of which were rushing.
As of the latest reports, Derrick Ward remains in custody, and bail has been set at $250,000. The unfolding legal proceedings will shed more light on the details of the alleged robberies and the potential consequences Ward may face if convicted. The arrest has inevitably cast a spotlight on the challenges some former athletes may encounter post-retirement and the complex circumstances that lead individuals down unexpected paths.
