Former New York Jets quarterback Richard Todd’s wife, Debra Darby Todd, has been arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident at the couple’s home in Florence, Alabama.
Debra, 68, faces a second-degree domestic violence charge after allegedly striking her 72-year-old husband with pliers during an argument on Monday, November 9.
According to a deposition obtained by Fox News, the incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. local time.
Richard, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, reportedly suffered multiple cuts to his arms during the altercation.
Authorities responded to the couple’s home, but the former quarterback did not require medical treatment and declined transportation to a hospital, according to Alabama.com.
Debra was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Lauderdale County Jail.
Richard Todd’s Wife Faces Domestic Violence Charge Following Alleged Attack
Court documents cited by Fox News allege that Debra used pliers to strike Richard during a dispute inside their Florence residence.
The reported incident resulted in injuries to the former NFL player’s arms, although officials did not report that he required hospitalization.
Following her arrest, authorities set Debra’s bond at $30,000.
Local television station Fox 54 reported that Debra no longer appeared in the Lauderdale County Jail’s custody records after her initial booking, suggesting she may have been released.
The outlet also reported that a court date remains pending.
The available reports did not provide further details about what led to the alleged argument.
The charge remains an allegation, and Debra has not been convicted in connection with the incident.
Richard Todd Played 11 NFL Seasons With the Jets and Saints
Richard spent most of his professional football career with the New York Jets after the franchise selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft.
The former quarterback entered the league following a successful college career at the University of Alabama, where he played under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Richard played for the Crimson Tide from 1972 through 1975.
During that period, Alabama won the 1973 UPI national championship and three consecutive Southeastern Conference titles from 1973 through 1975.
His college success helped establish him as one of the top quarterback prospects entering the 1976 draft.
Richard went on to become a longtime starter for the Jets before finishing his professional career with the New Orleans Saints.
According to Fox 54, he recorded more than 20,000 passing yards and 124 touchdown passes during his NFL career.
He played his final NFL season in 1985 before retiring.
Former New York Jets QB Richard Todd’s Wife Arrested After Alleged Attack With Pliers at Home