The NFL placed Jimmie Ward on the commissioner exemption list, sidelining the Texans safety as Houston navigates a June arrest for alleged family violence and an August arrest for violating release conditions tied to alcohol. A Harris County lawsuit followed in August. DeMeco Ryans urged patience and not to rush judgment while Ward, 33, proceeds through the legal process after signing a two-year, $13 million deal with Houston. Ward contributed 1 interception in 2023 and 2 in 2024 across 10 games.