Columbus Aviators Head Coach Ted Ginn Jr. Arrested for DWI Ahead of UFL Matchup
Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. Was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, Texas, on Saturday, forcing a last-minute leadership change ahead of the team’s United Football League (UFL) matchup against the Dallas Renegades.
The arrest occurred on April 11, 2026, just one day before the Aviators were scheduled to play in Frisco, Texas. According to a spokesperson for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Ginn was booked into the county jail around 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. He was subsequently released on bond at 8 p.m. That evening.
Coaching Transition and League Response
The timing of the incident left the Aviators without their leader for Sunday’s noon ET kickoff. In a statement obtained by the press, UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon confirmed the league was aware of the situation and is currently gathering more information regarding the incident.
To ensure the game proceeded as scheduled, the Aviators have appointed offensive coordinator Todd Haley to assume head-coaching duties for the contest against the United Football League‘s Dallas Renegades. This sudden shift in leadership comes during the franchise’s inaugural season, with Ginn having been named the head coach in December 2025.
For a global audience following the UFL’s expansion, this development marks a turbulent start for the Columbus franchise, which sought to leverage Ginn’s deep ties to the Ohio region to build its local identity.
The Rise and Legacy of Ted Ginn Jr.
The arrest is a jarring development for a man widely regarded as one of the most dynamic playmakers of his generation. Ginn, who turned 41 on Sunday, April 12, built a reputation for elite speed and versatility that spanned from the collegiate ranks to a lengthy professional career.
A legend at Ohio State, Ginn was a transformative force for the Buckeyes’ special teams. As a freshman, he set a Huge Ten Conference record that had stood since 1947 by returning four punts for touchdowns in a single season. He eventually became the Big Ten’s career leader in punt return touchdowns with six. His collegiate success earned him First-Team All-American honors as a return specialist and a First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2006, a year in which he helped lead Ohio State to the BCS National Championship game.
Ginn’s professional trajectory was equally impressive. Selected 9th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, he played 14 seasons in the league. His career was defined by his ability to create big plays, most notably during his tenure with the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded a career-high 10 receiving touchdowns in 2015 and contributed to the team’s run to Super Bowl 50.
Throughout his NFL journey, Ginn suited up for several organizations, including:
- Miami Dolphins
- San Francisco 49ers
- Carolina Panthers
- Arizona Cardinals
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
Community Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond the field, Ginn has spent his post-playing years focusing on community development in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Following the footsteps of his father, Ted Ginn Sr., he took over coaching duties at his alma mater, Glenville High School.
He too established the Ginn Academy, a leadership program designed to provide young men in Cleveland with essential life skills and mentorship. This commitment to giving back has been a cornerstone of his public image, making the recent legal issues in Texas a surprising turn for the coach and his supporters.
Key Details of the Incident
While the UFL continues its internal investigation, the verified timeline of the arrest remains the primary focus for team officials:
| Event | Time/Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Booking | 3:30 p.m. CT, Saturday, April 11 | Tarrant County, Texas |
| Release on Bond | 8:00 p.m. CT, Saturday, April 11 | Tarrant County, Texas |
| Scheduled Game | 12:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, April 12 | Frisco, Texas |
The legal proceedings regarding the DWI charge are expected to follow in the Tarrant County court system. As reported by The Athletic, the focus now shifts to how the Columbus Aviators and the UFL will handle Ginn’s status moving forward.
What’s Next for the Aviators
The immediate priority for the Columbus Aviators is their performance on the field under the temporary guidance of Todd Haley. The team must now navigate the distractions of their head coach’s legal troubles while competing in a high-stakes environment in Frisco.
The UFL has not yet announced any disciplinary actions or suspensions regarding Ginn. The next confirmed checkpoint will be the league’s official update following the conclusion of the game against the Dallas Renegades.
Share your thoughts on this development in the comments below.
Worth a look
