Jimmie Ward arrest sends shockwaves through Houston Texans as offseason concludes

Just as the Houston Texans were closing out their offseason program on Thursday morning, unexpected news broke involving one of their veteran leaders. Safety Jimmie Ward, a 12-year NFL veteran and former first-round pick, was arrested in the early hours of June 12 in Magnolia, Texas.

The charge? Third-degree felony family assault with allegations of impeding breathing—an incident that now places Ward’s immediate future in question as the Texans head into a pivotal 2025 season.

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was arrested in Texas on a felony family assault charge just as the team wrapped up mandatory minicamp

According to jail records from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Jimmie Ward was taken into custody at 5:38 a.m. Thursday and officially booked at 6:37 a.m. He remains held without bond as of Thursday evening.The arrest charge stems from an alleged domestic altercation that escalated to the point of “impeding breathing,” which elevated the incident to a third-degree felony under Texas law.When reached for comment, Texans senior director of communications Omar Majzoub told NFL.com on Thursday, “We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward. We are gathering information and have no further comment at this time.”

The 33-year-old defensive back was in his third season with Houston after signing a two-year contract with the team in 2023. Prior to joining the Texans, Ward spent nine years with the San Francisco 49ers, who selected him 30th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.

In 126 career games—99 of them starts—he has amassed 549 tackles, 51 passes defensed, and 10 interceptions.In the 2024 season, Ward started 10 games for Houston, logging 48 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. He was expected to be a key contributor in the Texans’ secondary again this season.

Jimmie Ward’s off-field reputation under spotlight after felony assault arrest in Texas

Known as “Neko” to friends and fans alike—a name he also uses on his Instagram—Ward has largely maintained a low profile off the field.

Though not frequently active on social media, his last post in February was a brand collaboration.In November 2024, he was recognized for participating in a local anti-bullying event at an elementary school, where he addressed students and posed with the Texans’ mascot. “Thank you @texanstoro1 for having me help out with this initiative. Let’s keep attacking bullying together,” he wrote on Instagram at the time.Ward's agent has not responded to media inquiries, and no official legal statement has been released on his behalf.The arrest casts a shadow over what was expected to be a leadership-driven year for Ward, who is entering the final season of his contract. While the Texans have yet to comment further, the timing—on the final day of mandatory minicamp—adds a layer of disruption to an otherwise focused offseason. With the legal process now underway, questions loom about Ward’s availability come training camp and beyond.Also Read: Philadelphia Eagles' Jihaad Campbell faces setback—but Nick Sirianni hints at star potential upon return