Texans Safety Jimmie Ward Placed on Commissioner Exempt List Amid Legal Troubles

HOUSTON (Aug. 26, 2025) - The National Football League announced Tuesday that Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward has been placed on the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List, sidelining him from all team activities pending resolution of his legal matters. The move came after Ward faced two offseason arrests, including a third-degree felony domestic violence charge and an alleged bail violation.

Ward, 34, will continue to receive his salary but is barred from practicing or attending games until Commissioner Roger Goodell clears him to return. The exempt list designation is reserved for “unusual circumstances” and allows the league to investigate while keeping the player on paid leave.

A former first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, Ward joined the Texans in 2023 and recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions over 10 games last season before undergoing foot surgery. He has not been medically cleared to practice, having begun camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Ward’s legal issues include:

• June arrest in Magnolia, Texas, on a felony domestic violence charge alleging he assaulted and strangled a woman with whom he shares a child.
• August arrest for allegedly violating bail conditions by consuming alcohol.

The length of Ward’s absence will depend on the outcomes of his criminal proceedings and any potential NFL discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy. Meanwhile, the Texans will rely on depth options in their secondary as training camp continues.