HOUSTON – Houston Texans veteran safety Jimmie Ward has been assigned a July 16 initial court hearing in a felony assault family violence charge stemming from an altercation with his child’s mother at his home in Magnolia, according to law enforcement officials.
The 33-year-old NFL star was arrested at roughly 5:30 a.m. and he is free on a $30,000 bail set by a magistrate.
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Montgomery County Sheriff’s office deputies said the victim alleged she had been assaulted, strangled, and threatened by her fiancé, identified as Ward. Ward was transported to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Jail and booked on charges of Assault Family Violence Impeding Breath/Circulation, a third-degree felony under Texas law.
Related: Texans veteran safety Jimmie Ward arrested for felony domestic violence charge in Montgomery County
The victim filed an emergency protective order to ensure her immediate safety and provide ongoing protection. Ward was given GPS electronic monitoring by the court.
Ward was voted a team captain in balloting from teammates the past two seasons. He has been active in the Houston community in philanthropy and authored a children’s book.
Ward is represented by veteran Montgomery County attorney Steve Jackson of Conroe.
“We believe that Jimmie will be vindicated,” Jackson told KPRC 2. “We just ask that the public reserve judgment so that we can show everyone that the Jimmie Ward they all know is the same person and did not do this.”
In an initial appearance video obtained by KPRC 2, Ward said he understood what he was charged with, replying: ‘Yes, ma’am."
In the hearing, Ward was informed he could be sentenced up to 10 years under sentencing guidelines if convicted and a $10,000 fine.
During the reading of the charges, the assistant district attorney said the victim stated that Ward: “slapped her in the face, strangled her and threatened to kill her. She stated that she felt pain in her throat and was unable to breathe before she was able to get him off of her and get out of the house and call 911. Mr. Ward declined to speak with officers and insisted that they speak with his lawyer.”
The judge said she found probable cause and accepted the $30,000 bond requested along with the GPS monitor be installed and the emergency protective order. Ward is not allowed to have any contact, communication or or interaction with the victim. Ward requested a bail hearing and for an opportunity to retrieve personal belongings.
Montgomery County deputies were called to a home located in the North Grove subdivision, located off FM 2978 in Magnolia about an assault in progress early last Thursday.
Texans, NFL respond to allegations
The Texans are in the process of getting more details about the situation.
“We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward,” a team spokesman told KPRC 2. “We are gathering information and have no further comment at this time.”
The incident is being reviewed by the NFL under its personal conduct policy, as are all off-field legal matters of this nature. The NFL has wide-ranging disciplinary policies. Normally, a six-game suspension is the punishment in domestic-violence cases.
“We are aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club,” NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told KPRC 2. “We have no further comment at this time.”
Jimmie Ward’s athletic career
Ward, joined the team in free agency from the San Francisco 49ers under a two-year, $13 million contract in 2023.
He hasn’t been practicing due to offseason foot surgery, but has been projected to return by training camp, per coach DeMeco Ryans earlier this spring. Ward has been rehabbing from his injury at NRG Stadium.
The Texans traded for veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and have installed him as their starting strong safety opposite starting free safety Calen Bullock.
Ward, who previously played for Ryans with the 49ers where the Texans coach was the defensive coordinator, is out of a walking boot and running again.
“Jimmie’s doing fine,” Ryans said earlier this spring. “Jimmie is on the road to recovery as well. He’s doing fine. He is out of his boot now. He starting to get back to get to running a little bit. So, he’s in a good spot.”
Limited to 10 games overall last season, Ward was effective when he was in the lineup with 48 tackles, five for losses, two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. Ward was a key piece of the defense as the replacement for standout nickel Jalen Pitre. Since replacing Pitre in the lineup, Ward returned the interception for a touchdown and recorded 24 tackles with four for losses and two passes defensed over the last month of the season.
Before the season, Ward signed a one-year, $10.302 million extension that included a $5.25 million signing bonus and $8.75 million guaranteed. He’s due a $2.75 million base salary in 2025 with $2 million of it fully guaranteed, per game active roster bonuses up to $500,000, and $750,000 in not likely to be earned incentives for playing time. He has a $5.669 million salary cap figure.
Ward has been limited to 20 games for the Texans over the past two seasons due to injuries.
Ward has started 99 of 126 career games since being drafted by the 49ers in 2014 and has four career interceptions and 549 tackles.
“Jimmie is a great football player,” Ryans said in a previous interview. “I love Jimmie. I love how he plays the game. Whenever Jimmie is ready, I know Jimmie can help our football team win games. We saw him make game-changing plays for us, big-time plays and big moments.
“Whenever he’s out there, he’ll do it. He’s a football player. So what I love about him, he’s played multiple spots in the defense. So, I’m excited to see just whenever he is ready. It doesn’t hurt to have a lot of good safeties on the team."
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
