A former NFL running back who once helped the New York Giants win the Super Bowl was caught this week allegedly robbing gas stations and other businesses in the Los Angeles area.
Derrick Ward, 43, is from Southern California. According to ESPN, he was born in Moreno Valley. Ward played football at Ottawa University in Kansas before going on to play in the NFL.
In addition to his time with the Giants, Ward played for the Houston Texans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He announced his retirement in 2012.
“His best season came in 2008 when he ran for 1,025 yards as part of the Earth, Wind and Fire backfield with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs,” said an NBC Sports report at the time. “Ward parlayed that year into a four-year deal with the Buccaneers, but got cut after one disappointing season that resulted in just 409 yards. Ward ran for 469 yards as a reserve with the Texans during the last two seasons and, at 31, didn’t get too many more looks from a league slanted toward younger running backs.”
According to records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Ward is now facing felony charges. He was arrested Monday by the North Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles Police Department and held at the Valley Jail in Van Nuys, Calif., on $250,000 bail.
People Magazine reported that he remained in custody Wednesday morning and that it was not clear whether Ward has hired or been assigned a defense attorney. As of Wednesday, it did not appear that he had entered into a plea deal.
Ward, who is 6 feet tall and weighs 230 pounds, allegedly robbed at least five businesses, said NBC News.
“Law enforcement tells us… Ward did not use a gun during the alleged robberies – but officers say he did use force and fear to get money from the stores,” TMZ reported.