Former NFL running back Derrick Ward, a member of the New York Giants Super Bowl-winning team in 2008 and recipient of a $17 million contract one year later, has been arrested for allegedly robbing multiple businesses in the Los Angeles area.
Ward’s arrest was first reported by TMZ Sports who reveals the former running back is accused of robbing several businesses including local gas stations.
Ward, who spent seven seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans, is said by authorities to have “use(d) force and fear to get money from the stores.”
They did note, however, that the string of robberies did not include a gun.
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Derrick Ward Fallen On Hard Times
Super Bowl champion running back Derrick Ward was arrested Monday and had bail set at $250,000 according to CBS Sports.
Ward was part of the Super Bowl XLII-winning team that was a heavy underdog to the undefeated New England Patriots. The Giants shocked the world, winning the game 17-14.
He was best known for the season he put together for the New York Giants in 2008 as part of the “Earth, Wind, and Fire” running back trio that featured himself, Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw.
He was the “wind” in that backfield.
Ward parlayed his success that season and scored a big payday with the Buccaneers, who gave him a four-year, $17 million free-agent contract in 2009.
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Off-Field Issues
Derrick Ward, as evidenced by this arrest, is a cautionary tale for those who find success in the NFL. That success may be fleeting.
From $17 million to robbing gas stations. How does it even happen?
This isn’t Ward’s only off-field issue since leaving the NFL.
Friends of Ward took to social media in 2017 to accuse the former Super Bowl champ of scamming them out of money. The following year his wife accused him of assaulting and threatening to kill her in front of their children.
Derrick Ward delivered 2,628 rushing yards (4.8/avg) and 12 TDs while adding 96 receptions for an additional 787 yards and 3 TDs during his NFL career.
