Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan was arrested in Nashville on Wednesday after allegedly running over the feet of two pedestrians with his pickup truck and driving away, police said. The 63-year-old ESPN analyst turned himself in to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on six outstanding misdemeanour warrants, was booked into the Davidson County Jail and was released early on Wednesday morning on a $6,000 bond. The arrest puts one of American football's most recognisable television voices at the centre of a criminal case in Tennessee.

Key Points

• Rex Ryan surrendered to Nashville police on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on six misdemeanour warrants and was released early that morning on a $6,000 bond.
• Police say the incident happened just before midnight on Thursday, November 5, at Fourth Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville.
• Police say Ryan's pickup turned right through a crosswalk while two pedestrians had the walk signal, running over both of their feet.
• The six charges are two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of failure to give information or render aid, and two counts of failure to obey a traffic control signal.
• ESPN has acknowledged the situation but has not announced any change to Ryan's television assignments, and Ryan has not publicly commented on the charges.

What Happened

Police say the incident took place just before midnight on Thursday, November 5, at Fourth Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville. The two pedestrians were crossing Broadway from Fourth Avenue with a walk signal when a pickup truck turned right from Fourth Avenue into their path. Police said the truck ran over both victims' feet and made contact with one of the victim's legs. The injuries were described as minor.

Investigators say the driver did not stop to check on the pedestrians. Instead, the truck continued on to a red light, where the pedestrians' party caught up with it. The group photographed the driver and the licence plate, which was registered to Ryan, and that evidence led to the six warrants. Ryan turned himself in on Wednesday, November 11, and was booked at the Davidson County Jail. Jail records show he was released early on Wednesday morning after posting a $6,000 bond. No court date had been announced as of Wednesday afternoon.

Background: Rex Ryan's Coaching Career and ESPN Role

Ryan is one of the most familiar faces in American football broadcasting. He spent eight seasons as an NFL head coach, leading the New York Jets from 2009 to 2014 and the Buffalo Bills from 2015 to 2016, compiling a career record of 61 wins and 66 losses. His Jets reached the AFC Championship Game in his first two seasons.

After coaching, Ryan joined ESPN in 2016 as a regular on Sunday NFL Countdown, where his blunt analysis made him a fixture of weekend coverage. Ryan was in Nashville recently for an appearance on the popular podcast Bussin' With The Boys, which is filmed in the city. His father, the late Buddy Ryan, was also a well-known NFL coach.

Rex Ryan Arrested: The Six Charges Explained

The six warrants against Ryan fall into three pairs, each relating to a different alleged failure on the night of November 5. The first two counts allege leaving the scene of an accident. Tennessee law requires a driver to remain at the scene of a crash involving injury. Police say Ryan drove on rather than stopping.

The second pair alleges failure to give information or render aid. Tennessee law requires a driver in a crash to give their name, address and registration details to the injured person or police, and to provide reasonable assistance. Investigators say Ryan gave neither information nor aid.

The third pair alleges failure to obey a traffic control signal, reflecting the police account that the pedestrians had the walk signal and the right of way when the truck turned right through the crosswalk. All six are misdemeanours, but they can still carry jail time, fines and a criminal record on conviction.

Reactions and Quotes

Police said in a statement: "The pedestrians were crossing Broadway from 4th Avenue with a walk sign when the pickup truck turned right from 4th Avenue running over both victims' feet and making contact with one of the individual's legs." The department confirmed that Ryan turned himself in "on six outstanding misdemeanor warrants" after he was accused of "striking two pedestrians with his pickup truck".

ESPN acknowledged the situation on Wednesday but made no announcement about Ryan's television assignments. Ryan has not commented on the charges, and it was not immediately known whether he has a lawyer. The two pedestrians have not spoken publicly.

Why It Matters

The case matters for several reasons beyond the fame of the man involved. First, it tests how hit-and-run cases are treated when injuries are minor but the driver is accused of leaving the scene. The six charges show driving away from a crash, even a low-speed one, can bring multiple counts.

Second, it happened on Broadway, Nashville's most crowded entertainment street, where thousands of pedestrians cross among bars and music venues nightly. Pedestrian safety there has long concerned city officials, and a case involving a well-known figure renews the spotlight on drivers at its crosswalks. Third, it puts ESPN in a difficult position, since Ryan is a prominent analyst and the network's handling of the case will be watched closely. For more on the NFL this week, read our report on the Cardinals losing Michael Wilson for the season and the Celtics' win over the 76ers.

What Happens Next

Ryan's next step is a court appearance in Nashville, where he will be presented with the six charges and asked to enter a plea. No date had been announced as of Wednesday afternoon. Prosecutors and Ryan's lawyers may discuss a plea agreement, or the matter could go to trial.

ESPN is also expected to decide in the coming days whether Ryan will appear on its programmes this weekend. His legal team, once appointed, may issue a statement, and the victims could speak publicly or pursue civil claims, though neither has done so yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Rex Ryan arrested?
Rex Ryan was arrested after allegedly running over the feet of two pedestrians with his pickup truck in downtown Nashville on November 5, 2026, and driving away without stopping. He faces six misdemeanour charges.

What are the charges against Rex Ryan?
Two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of failure to give information or render aid, and two counts of failure to obey a traffic control signal.

Where and when did the incident happen?
Just before midnight on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Was anyone seriously hurt?
No. Police described the pedestrians' injuries as minor. The truck ran over both victims' feet and made contact with one victim's leg.

Is Rex Ryan still working for ESPN?
ESPN has acknowledged the situation but has not announced any change to his television assignments. Ryan has been an ESPN NFL analyst since 2016, appearing on Sunday NFL Countdown.