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Ex-Jets & Bama QB Richard Todd’s Wife Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Him With Pliers
Ex-Jets & Bama QB Richard Todd’s Wife Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Him With Pliers
Richard Todd (UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

What To Know

  • Debra Darby Todd, 68, was arrested in Alabama after allegedly striking her husband, former NFL quarterback Richard Todd, with pliers during an argument.
  • Richard sustained cuts and abrasions but did not require medical treatment, and police said two witnesses were present.
  • Debra was charged with felony second-degree domestic violence assault and held on $30,000 bond as the investigation continues.

Former New York Jets and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Richard Todd found himself at the center of a shocking police investigation this week after his wife was arrested for allegedly attacking him with a pair of pliers during a domestic dispute.

According to court documents obtained by Fox News from the District Court of Lauderdale County, Alabama, authorities arrested 68-year-old Debra Darby Todd following an incident on Monday night at approximately 11:05 p.m.

Police records state that she intentionally caused physical harm to the former professional athlete by striking him multiple times with a pair of pliers during an argument.

Law enforcement confirmed that there were two witnesses present during the alleged assault. While Richard Todd sustained multiple cuts and abrasions on his arms, he reportedly did not require medical treatment or hospital transport following the altercation.

Debra Todd was subsequently booked into the Lauderdale County Jail and charged with felony second-degree domestic violence assault, with her bond formally set at $30,000. Court filings also showed the physical contrast between the parties, listing Richard at 6-foot-2 and roughly 210 pounds, and Debra at 5-foot-3 and 105 pounds.

Todd remains a prominent figure in football history, having succeeded former NFL quarterback Joe Namath. Todd was a standout three-year starter under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama and selected sixth overall by the Jets in the 1976 draft to take over under center for “Broadway Joe.”

During his 10-season NFL career split between the Jets and New Orleans Saints, Todd secured four SEC collegiate championships, threw for over 20,000 yards and 124 touchdowns, and led New York to the 1982 AFC Championship game.

Authorities have not yet released additional statements regarding upcoming court dates as the investigation continues.