Rex Ryan Surrenders in Nashville Facing Hit-and-Run Charges

Former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan surrendered to authorities in Nashville on Wednesday following an alleged hit-and-run incident involving two pedestrians.

Mid-Broadway Pedestrian Collision

The incident occurred shortly before midnight on November 5 at Fourth Avenue and Broadway, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Two pedestrians were crossing Broadway from Fourth Avenue with a walk signal when a pickup truck turning right from Fourth Avenue ran over both victims’ feet and made contact with one individual’s leg.

The victims sustained minor injuries during the collision, police said. According to investigators, the vehicle continued down the street before stopping at a red light at Broadway and Representative John Lewis Way, where the pedestrians flagged down the driver.

The victims told police that Ryan stepped out of the truck to argue with them before returning to the vehicle and driving away. They managed to photograph the driver and the truck’s license plate, which was registered to Ryan.

Surrender at Davidson County Jail

Ryan, 63, arrived at Nashville’s Downtown Detention Center early Wednesday morning on November 11 to surrender on the outstanding warrants, according to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. The New York Times reported that he was booked and subsequently released.

A judicial commissioner set Ryan’s bond at $6,000, but he qualified for pretrial release under nonfinancial conditions. David Raybin, Ryan’s attorney, said that his client cooperated fully with law enforcement.

“Because we just received the warrant today, we currently have limited information regarding the allegations,” Raybin told The Associated Press. Ryan immediately surrendered to authorities after learning of the charges, according to his legal representation.

Police affidavits said that officers later recovered surveillance video of the incident, observing black markings on the shoes of one victim along with scratches. NBC Sports reported that the encounter was captured on camera. Ryan rose to prominence in professional football as a defensive coordinator, following in the footsteps of his late father, Buddy Ryan, who famously coordinated the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears defense.

ESPN Addresses Rex Ryan Arrest and Court Appearance

Ryan has worked as an NFL analyst for ESPN since 2016, appearing regularly on pregame and morning programs broadcast from New York. Network representatives addressed the arrest in a brief statement.

“We are aware and are in touch with Rex,” ESPN said in a statement released on Wednesday. Prior to his television career, Ryan served as head coach of the New York Jets, guiding the franchise to consecutive appearances in the AFC Championship Game following the 2009 and 2010 seasons, before later coaching the Buffalo Bills.

The former coach is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court next month. Meanwhile, local officials have pointed to the incident as part of broader discussions regarding downtown traffic safety and walkability in Nashville.

“There’s a lot to be done for pedestrian safety, and as opposed to having to close roads, I want us to invest in infrastructure, invest in traffic enforcement– things that make our roads safer for everyone to use,” said Metro Council member Jacob Kupin.

Earlier coverage: Rex Ryan Surrenders to Nashville Police Following Hit-and-run Allegations