A growing number of driving incidents involving National Football League personnel, including arrests for operating while intoxicated, speeding violations, and fatal accidents, have come to light in recent years. These events have led to job losses, suspensions, and legal consequences for individuals within the league.
Recent incidents highlight a concerning trend. On July 23, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested in Wisconsin for operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing, open intoxicants, and refusing a breathalyzer. He is scheduled for a hearing on September 21.
Earlier in July, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a head-on collision that resulted in broken bones and concussion symptoms. Shanahan took responsibility, stating he dropped his phone and lost control of his vehicle. In another case, Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander pleaded guilty to third-degree DWI and was suspended by the team until August 13.
The Washington Commanders fired tight end coach Ben Steele following a DWI arrest in June. Before the NFL Draft, University of Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. was cited for reckless driving following an October 2025 accident. This incident followed a March 2024 fatal accident where Bain's actions contributed to a chain-reaction crash that resulted in a passenger's death.
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice was released from jail in May and June after testing positive for THC, a consequence of a probation agreement stemming from a high-speed March 2024 crash in Dallas. Rice pleaded guilty to felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.
Collectively, these and other driving-related incidents involving NFL personnel, dating back to 2024, total 21 instances of alleged drinking and driving, reckless driving, or poor decision-making behind the wheel. This averages more than one traffic-related mishap per month involving individuals connected to the league.
While the NFL has stated that these are individual and club matters, league policy generally instructs employees to avoid drinking and driving. Some clubs offer resources such as rideshare programs or encourage employees to contact club security if they question their ability to drive safely. However, a significant portion of these incidents, like Shanahan's collision, did not involve alcohol, suggesting broader issues with responsible driving practices.