Former NFL running back Derrick Ward arrested for alleged robbery spree in southern California

Derrick Ward, a former NFL running back who clinched a Super Bowl victory with the New York Giants, found himself in legal trouble as he was arrested on Monday on charges of robbing multiple businesses in Southern California. Los Angeles police disclosed that the 43-year-old athlete was implicated in at least five incidents, including robberies at gas stations. Notably, the imposing 6-foot, 230-pound man is not suspected of using a firearm during any of these alleged offenses.

Ward, who hails from Southern California's Riverside County, rose to prominence after a college football career at Fresno State and Ottawa University in Kansas. Despite being drafted in the seventh round by the New York Jets in 2004, he was cut before playing in a regular-season game. Nevertheless, Ward enjoyed an eight-season journeyman career in the NFL, making contributions to teams such as the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans.

His most significant achievements were during his time with the Giants, where he played a vital role in their 2007 season. Rushing for 1,750 yards on 342 carries, with an impressive average of 5.1 yards per carry, Ward became an integral part of the team's success. The 2007 Giants, with a regular-season record of 10-6, went on to achieve a historic Super Bowl victory, defeating the previously undefeated New England Patriots in a memorable 17-14 showdown on February 3, 2008. The championship game featured the iconic "Helmet Catch" by Giants wide receiver David Tyree, leading to the winning score.


While Ward didn't participate in the Super Bowl due to a late-season leg injury, he made a comeback in 2008, rushing for a career-high 1,025 yards during that season. Despite these successes on the football field, the recent allegations of his involvement in a robbery spree raise questions about his post-NFL life.

As of Tuesday, Derrick Ward is in LAPD custody, held on a $250,000 bail, as per jail records. It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation or if any statement will be issued by his management team. The incident underscores the challenges some former athletes face in transitioning to life beyond their playing careers.