NFL Icon Arrested After Striking Pedestrians With Truck, Fleeing The Scene
Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan was arrested Wednesday after allegedly running over the feet of two pedestrians with his pickup truck in downtown Nashville before getting into an argument with the victims and driving away.
Ryan, 63, surrendered to authorities Nov. 11 after police obtained six misdemeanor warrants stemming from the incident, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
The former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills coach is accused of striking two people as they crossed a busy downtown intersection with the pedestrian signal in their favor.
Police said the incident occurred shortly before midnight Thursday, Nov. 5, near Fourth Avenue and Broadway, an area known for its restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
According to investigators, the two pedestrians were crossing Broadway from Fourth Avenue when Ryan allegedly made a right turn in his pickup truck.
The vehicle reportedly ran over both pedestrians’ feet and struck one victim’s leg.
Both individuals suffered minor injuries, police confirmed.
But instead of remaining at the intersection, Ryan allegedly continued driving.
The pedestrians told investigators that the truck eventually stopped at a red light near Broadway and Representative John Lewis Way.
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They approached the vehicle and managed to get the driver’s attention.
What happened next became a central part of the police investigation.
According to the victims, Ryan stepped out of the pickup truck and began arguing with them over the incident.
Rather than exchange information or provide assistance, the former NFL coach allegedly returned to his vehicle and drove away.
However, the pedestrians managed to collect evidence before he left.
Police said the victims photographed both the driver and the truck’s license plate, giving investigators information that helped identify the person behind the wheel.
Authorities subsequently determined that the vehicle was registered to Ryan.
Following their investigation, police obtained six misdemeanor warrants against the former football coach.
Ryan faces two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of failing to provide information or render aid, and two counts of failing to obey a traffic control signal.
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A judicial commissioner set his bond at $6,000.
The charges stem from the alleged traffic incident and Ryan’s actions afterward, rather than allegations that he intentionally struck the pedestrians.
Police have not publicly indicated that alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.
The arrest marks an unexpected legal controversy for one of professional football’s most recognizable personalities.
Ryan built his reputation as a defensive mastermind and outspoken head coach during his years in the NFL.
He became a household name after taking over the New York Jets in 2009, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most colorful figures.
During his six seasons in New York, Ryan guided the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances following the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
His aggressive defensive philosophy and frequently combative press conferences made him a fixture in national football coverage.
Despite those early playoff runs, the Jets eventually parted ways with Ryan following the 2014 season.
He subsequently became head coach of the Buffalo Bills, where he spent two seasons before being dismissed in 2016.
Ryan later transitioned into sports broadcasting, becoming an NFL analyst for ESPN and continuing to offer his opinions on teams, coaches and players.
His latest headlines, however, have nothing to do with football.
Wednesday’s arrest places the former coach at the center of a criminal case involving two pedestrians who police say had the right of way when they were struck.
Authorities have not announced when Ryan will make his next court appearance.
Ryan has not publicly addressed the allegations, and the charges against him remain pending.
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