Former NFL running back Derrick Ward, a key member of the New York Giants Super Bowl XLII winning team, was arrested on Monday in Los Angeles for multiple alleged robberies.
The 43-year-old Ward is accused of robbing several businesses, including gas stations, in recent weeks.
Despite not using a firearm, the 6-foot, 240-pound former player allegedly employed force and intimidation to steal money from the targeted establishments, according to police.
Derrick Ward, a former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion, was arrested this week in Los Angeles after allegedly committing multiple robberies around the city.
All we know: https://t.co/fdTCgNRllU pic.twitter.com/ghQZSFsQou
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 20, 2023
Ward had his bail set at $250,000 according to TMZ.
The eight-year NFL veteran was drafted in the seventh-round by the New York Jets in 2004, although he never appeared in a regular season game for Gang Green.
He spent his career with the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans.
His most notable years came as a member of the “Earth, Wind, and Fire,” backfield with the Giants … Ward alongside fellow bruisers Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw formed one of the deepest and most productive rushing attacks in NFL history.
Former Fresno State Bulldog and Super Bowl RB Derrick Ward arrested in Los Angeles for robbery charges @CBS47 pic.twitter.com/Tml4V9azEb
— Mederios Babb (@mederiosbabb) December 19, 2023
Sadly, Ward missed the Super Bowl in February 2008 after suffering a fractured left fibula in Week 13, describing it as “one of the hardest experiences” he had ever been through.
“One of the hardest experiences I’ve ever been through,” Ward told The New York Post at the time. “Being able to finally do something in the league and help contribute to the season we had and that not be able to play in the Super Bowl, I always dreamed about that when I was a little kid … I was just excited my teammates got me a Super Bowl ring.”
15 years ago today – The #Giants upset the 18-0 #Patriots on Super Bowl 42.
David Tyree made the play of his life and forever created an iconic moment. pic.twitter.com/4Dz8BYBwSw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 3, 2023
Ward bounced back the following year, achieving a career-high 1,023 rushing yards with an NFL-best 5.6 yards per attempt.
In 2009, he signed a four-year, $17 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He ended up announcing his retirement from the NFL in the summer of 2012.
In total, Ward appeared in 93 games, rushing for 2,628 yards and 12 touchdowns.
There will surely be more details to come out of this unfortunate situation.
Stayed tuned…