Rex Ryan, the former National Football League head coach, turned himself in to Nashville police on Wednesday morning for booking. The surrender followed an incident that occurred on Thursday, November 5, in which Ryan allegedly struck two pedestrians with his pickup truck. According to the police report, both individuals sustained minor injuries during the collision.
The accident took place shortly before midnight when the two pedestrians were crossing the intersection of Broadway and 4th Avenue. At the time of the incident, the traffic signal for pedestrians was displaying a walk sign. Police records indicate that Ryan, who is 63 years old, was making a right turn from 4th Avenue when his vehicle ran over the feet of both victims. The truck also made contact with the leg of one of the individuals.
Witnesses stated that the vehicle continued driving after the initial impact. The truck eventually came to a halt at a red light at the corner of Broadway and Representative John Lewis Way. It was at this point that the pedestrians waved Ryan down. The former coach exited his vehicle to argue with the two individuals before returning to his truck and driving away. The victims captured photographs of the vehicle and its license plate, which was registered to Ryan.
Following his surrender on Wednesday, Ryan faced multiple criminal charges. He was charged with 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 device. A judicial commissioner set his bond at $6,000.
Ryan's most recent stint as an NFL head coach concluded in 2016 when he led the Buffalo Bills. His journey into the league began in 1994 as a defensive line and linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals. He subsequently built a reputation as a decorated defensive strategist, primarily during his tenure in Baltimore.
The former coach spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He joined the staff as a defensive line coach in 1999 and rose to the position of defensive coordinator in 2005. He held that role until 2008, at which point he was hired as the head coach of the New York Jets. Ryan was part of the coaching staff during Baltimore's Super Bowl XXXV championship season.
Throughout his head coaching career, Ryan compiled a record of 65 wins and 68 losses. His postseason record stands at 4 wins and 2 losses. The recent legal proceedings mark a notable development in the career of the long-time football figure.
