Former NFL coach Rex Ryan charged after pickup allegedly hits two pedestrians
Nashville police say Rex Ryan’s truck ran over two pedestrians’ feet before he left the scene; his lawyer says he surrendered and is cooperating.
- Development
- 11 November 2026
- Coverage
- Breaking news
- Current status
- Developing case
- Source record
- 3 verified sources
Ryan turns himself in on six warrants
Former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan surrendered to Nashville police on Wednesday after learning that six misdemeanor warrants had been issued. Police charged him with two counts each of leaving the scene of an accident, failing to provide information or render aid, and failing to obey a traffic-control signal. A judicial commissioner set bond at $6,000, and Ryan qualified for release on non-financial conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court next month. The allegations have not been proven. [1] [2] [3]
Pedestrians say truck turned through their walk signal
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said two pedestrians were crossing Broadway from Fourth Avenue with a walk signal shortly before midnight on November 5. Investigators allege Ryan turned right in a pickup truck, ran over both pedestrians’ feet and struck one person’s leg. Both suffered minor injuries. The pedestrians said the truck continued to another red light, where they approached it. They told police Ryan got out and argued with them, then returned to the vehicle and drove away. They photographed the driver and the license plate. [1] [2] [3]
Police cite photographs and camera footage
Local reporting based on arrest affidavits said the truck was registered to Ryan and that officers compared a driver’s-license image with the photographs taken by the pedestrians. Investigators also obtained camera footage of the incident, according to WSMV. Ryan’s lawyer, David Raybin, said Ryan surrendered immediately when he learned of the charges and had cooperated with law enforcement from the outset. Raybin said the defense had only recently received the warrant and was still reviewing the facts. [1] [2] [3]
Case proceeds while Ryan remains on television
Ryan, 63, coached the Jets and Bills and now works as an ESPN football analyst. ESPN said it was aware of the matter and in contact with him. The misdemeanor case will focus on whether Ryan was the driver, whether he knew an injury-producing collision occurred and whether the duties to stop, exchange information and assist were triggered under Tennessee law. His public profile does not alter the prosecution’s burden. No finding has been made on the competing factual issues, and the defense has not yet filed a detailed response. [1] [2] [3]
The case will depend on the driving timeline
Traffic investigators can use vehicle damage, street cameras, witness accounts, phone records and medical reports to reconstruct the collisions and Ryan’s actions afterward. Leaving an injury crash and failing to render aid require proof of specific facts under Tennessee law; an arrest report presents the police account, not a final finding. Ryan surrendered for booking and is entitled to contest identification, knowledge and any other disputed element. The pedestrians’ medical conditions may also affect charging and restitution issues. A future court appearance should establish counsel, release terms and the motion schedule. Public familiarity with Ryan’s sports career does not change the presumption of innocence or the prosecution’s burden. Police have asked additional witnesses or people with relevant video to provide that evidence directly to investigators. [1] [2] [3]
Sources & further reading
- Former NFL Coach surrendered for booking this morning ↗Metropolitan Nashville Police Department · 2026-11-11 · Primary source
- Former NFL coach Rex Ryan turns himself in after allegedly hitting Nashville pedestrians ↗Associated Press · 2026-11-11
- New details in arrest of former NFL coach Rex Ryan ↗WSMV · 2026-11-11
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