Former NFL Player TJ Yeldon Arrested
Former NFL Running Back T.J. Yeldon was arrested on domestic violence charges in his home state of Alabama. The 31-year-old former Alabama Crimson Tide standout now faces serious legal troubles that could have lasting consequences beyond the courtroom.
TJ Yeldon Arrest Details EmergeÂ
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbing scene in the early morning hours of August 16. Around 1 a.m., 911 dispatchers transferred an emergency call that would change everything for the former second-round draft pick.
Communication officers could hear what they believed to be a domestic violence incident unfolding between a male and female through the phone line. The situation became clear when deputies arrived at the 28000 block of State Highway 181 in Daphne, Alabama.
When law enforcement knocked on the door, Yeldon reportedly saw the officers, turned off the lights, and refused to cooperate. The victim had managed to lock herself in a bedroom, but according to the police report, Yeldon was attempting to force his way in even as deputies stood outside. The situation escalated when Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office personnel prepared to make forced entry. Only then did Yeldon unlock the door, leading to his immediate detention.
Charges Against the Former Running Back
Yeldon now faces three serious charges that paint a troubling picture of the night’s events:
- Third-degree domestic violence
- Third-degree criminal mischief
- Interference with a domestic violence emergency call
These aren’t minor infractions. Each charge carries real consequences. Yeldon was processed at the Baldwin County corrections center and released on a $2,000 bond, which seems surprisingly low given the nature of the charges.
From College Star To NFL Disappointment
TJ Yeldon’s football journey reads like so many others. Tremendous college success followed by NFL struggles and now personal troubles. At Alabama, he was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s championship runs, rushing for over 3,300 yards during his college career.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, hoping he’d bring that Alabama magic to the professional level. Instead, his NFL career became a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential and locker room issues.
Troubled NFL Career Foreshadowed Current Issues
Looking back, warning signs were there during Yeldon’s professional career. His time in Jacksonville ended poorly when then-Executive Vice President Tom Coughlin publicly criticized both Yeldon and Leonard Fournette, calling their behavior “disrespectful, selfish, and unbecoming that of a professional football player” following their demeanor during a playoff game. Those weren’t just harsh words from management. They were a red flag about character issues that apparently extended beyond the football field.
After leaving Jacksonville under that cloud, Yeldon spent two seasons with the Buffalo Bills before his career fizzled out. He last appeared in just three games during the 2020 season, and now it’s clear football was the least of his problems.
The Bigger Picture Beyond Football
For Yeldon, this represents a fall from grace that extends far beyond any football disappointment. His legal troubles are just beginning, and the court of public opinion has already begun weighing the evidence. The former Alabama star who once carried hopes of NFL stardom now carries the weight of serious criminal charges that could define the rest of his life.
