Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward is facing legal trouble once again.
The 34-year-old NFL veteran was arrested Thursday night in Montgomery County, Texas, on a felony warrant — his second arrest in just three months. According to court records, he was released from jail Friday morning.
According to his attorney, Steve Jackson, Ward’s most recent arrest resulted from violating the strict conditions of his $30,000 bail from an earlier case. Prosecutors say Ward tested positive for alcohol, something the court doesn’t allow while he’s out on bond.
Jackson says his client didn’t realize the court had a “zero-tolerance” policy on alcohol.
“Jimmie believed it was for not getting intoxicated — like he could have a drink,” Jackson told KPRC 2. “There was no contact with the complainant. The court has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking while on bond, unbeknownst to him.”
Ward’s legal troubles began on June 12, when he was arrested at his home in Magnolia, Texas, on a third-degree felony charge of assault on a family member by impeding breathing or circulation. His fiancée accused him of choking, assaulting, and threatening her, prompting an emergency protective order to be filed.
Ward has a court hearing scheduled for Aug. 13, though that date could be moved. The original case is set to go before a grand jury on Aug. 31. Jackson has said he is confident Ward will ultimately be “vindicated.”
Ward — who turns 34 this year — is on the Texans’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list while recovering from a foot injury that ended his 2024 season. While he hasn’t participated in training camp, he has been spotted at the team’s facility for rehab work.
He signed a two-year, $13 million contract with Houston in March 2023 after nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, and later agreed to a one-year extension that keeps him with the Texans through 2025.
Texans General Manager Nick Caserio said at the training camp that the team is “maintaining communication” with the NFL and cooperating fully.
“It’s a day-to-day situation, and we will allow that process to unfold as necessary. Whatever the outcome, we will address it appropriately,” Caserio said.
The NFL has confirmed that it knows about Ward’s arrests and is in touch with the team.
Ward was drafted by the 49ers in 2014 and has recorded 549 tackles, 10 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns over 11 seasons. In two years with Houston, he’s played 20 games, making 98 tackles and three interceptions.
Before his injury last season, Ward had 48 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
