Former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan turned himself in to police in Nashville on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on six misdemeanor warrants after allegedly striking two pedestrians with his pickup truck on the city’s Broadway strip and driving away. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said the incident happened shortly before midnight on Thursday, 5 November, at the corner of 4th Avenue and Broadway.
According to police, the two pedestrians were crossing Broadway from 4th Avenue with a walk sign when Ryan’s truck turned right from 4th Avenue, running over both victims’ feet and making contact with one victim’s leg. Both pedestrians suffered minor injuries, police said.
What police say happened on Broadway
The pedestrians photographed the truck’s license plate and the driver after the incident, and police said the plate was registered to Ryan. The Associated Press reported that Ryan drove off after an argument with the pedestrians, and the New York Post reported that the pair caught up with him at a red light further down the road.
Warrants for Ryan’s arrest were issued, and he surrendered on Wednesday morning. He was booked into the Davidson County Jail and released early Wednesday after a judicial commissioner set bond at $6,000. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said he qualified for pretrial release, meaning he was freed on non-financial conditions.
The six charges Ryan faces
| Charge | Counts |
|---|---|
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 2 |
| Failure to give information or render aid | 2 |
| Failure to obey a traffic control signal | 2 |
All six charges are misdemeanors. Ryan is scheduled to appear in a Nashville courtroom on Friday, 18 December 2026.
Ryan’s lawyer says he surrendered as soon as he learned of the warrants
Criminal defense attorney David Raybin, who is representing Ryan, said his client “immediately surrendered” after learning of the charges. Raybin said the defense had only just received the warrant and had limited information about the allegations at this stage.
The case is in its early stages, and the charges are allegations that a court will decide. No plea has been reported.
From the Jets’ sideline to the ESPN studio
Ryan, 63, coached the New York Jets from 2009 to 2014 and the Buffalo Bills from 2015 to 2016, compiling a 61-66 record as a head coach. He led the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games after the 2009 and 2010 seasons, and he is the son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan.
Since leaving coaching, Ryan has worked as an NFL analyst for ESPN. His arrest came in a busy week around the NFL, days after Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota headlined the trade deadline, and in a crowded week for American sport that also saw the 2026 Cy Young Awards handed out on Wednesday night.
Rex Ryan arrest FAQs
Why was Rex Ryan arrested?
Ryan turned himself in to Nashville police on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on six outstanding misdemeanor warrants. Police allege he struck two pedestrians with his pickup truck on Broadway on 5 November and left the scene.
What happened on Broadway on 5 November?
Police say the two pedestrians were crossing Broadway from 4th Avenue with a walk sign shortly before midnight when Ryan’s truck turned right and ran over both of their feet, striking one of them in the leg. Both suffered minor injuries.
What charges does Rex Ryan face?
Two counts each of leaving the scene of an accident, failure to give information or render aid, and failure to obey a traffic control signal. All six are misdemeanors.
Was anyone seriously hurt?
No. Police described the pedestrians’ injuries as minor.
When is Rex Ryan due in court?
He is scheduled to appear in a Nashville courtroom on Friday, 18 December 2026.
