Texans Release Veteran Safety Jimmie Ward

Ward was arrested on domestic violence charges last year but not indicted.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:10am by Ben Kaplan

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The Houston Texans have released veteran safety Jimmie Ward, who did not see any action last season after being involved in a domestic violence incident and later sustaining a foot injury. Ward, a former first-round pick, has played 11 seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Texans.

Why it matters

Ward's release comes after a tumultuous year where he was arrested on domestic violence charges that were later not indicted by a grand jury. The Texans are making roster moves as they look to rebuild their team for the upcoming season.

The details

Ward, 34, was arrested in Texas in June 2025 on third-degree felony domestic violence charges when a woman alleged she was sexually and physically assaulted by Ward in front of their 3-year-old child. However, in September 2025, a grand jury declined to indict Ward. In his two seasons with the Texans, Ward had 98 tackles and three interceptions in 20 games, all as a starter.

  • Ward was arrested in June 2025.
  • A grand jury declined to indict Ward in September 2025.
  • Ward did not see any action last season (2025-26).

The players

Jimmie Ward

A 34-year-old veteran safety who has played 11 seasons in the NFL, the last two with the Houston Texans.

Houston Texans

An NFL team based in Houston, Texas that has released veteran safety Jimmie Ward.

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The takeaway

Ward's release highlights the challenges professional athletes can face when off-field incidents occur, even when charges are ultimately not filed. The Texans are making roster moves as they look to rebuild their team for the upcoming season.