The Houston Texans have parted ways with 34-year-old safety Jimmie Ward following a season where he didn't play due to legal troubles and injury. Ward faced domestic violence charges earlier this year, though a grand jury declined to indict him in September.
The Houston Texans have parted ways with veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward, announcing his release on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old safety sat out the entire 2024 season after facing legal troubles before the year began and later dealing with a foot injury that kept him sidelined.
Ward faced serious legal issues when he was taken into custody in Texas last June on third-degree felony charges related to domestic violence. A woman accused Ward of sexually and physically assaulting her while their 3-year-old child was present. However, a grand jury chose not to move forward with an indictment in September.
The veteran defender spent 11 years in the NFL, beginning his career with the San Francisco 49ers from 2014 through 2022 before joining Houston for the past two seasons. Originally selected in the first round of the draft, Ward accumulated 549 tackles, 10 picks (returning three for scores), and six forced fumbles across 126 games with 99 starts.
During his time in Houston, Ward contributed 98 tackles and three interceptions over 20 games, starting every contest he appeared in.
Ward’s postseason experience includes nine playoff appearances, all during his tenure with San Francisco, where he recorded one interception. He was part of the 49ers squad that reached the Super Bowl after the 2019 season, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the championship game.