Since 2000, there are five teams have led the NFL in player arrests, according to a USA Today study. It is worth saying that arrests involving NFL players are not uncommon. Everyone makes mistakes, but players are supposed to be the paragons of exemplary behavior, on and off the field. Of course, not everyone can uphold that standard.
That said, there are certain teams that have seen more issues concerning their players than others, so let’s take a look:
#5) Kansas City Chiefs – 43
Rashee Rice is the highest-profile Chief to be arrested this offseason, as he was indicted for a hit-and-run in his home state of Dallas. But he is not the only one, as defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (animal cruelty, domestic violence, and burglary) and offensive linemen Wanya Morris and Chukwuebubka Godrick (marijuana possession) have also seen the same fate, with the former even being released.
As past players are counted, now-New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay had a property destruction scandal in 2022. Damon Arnette barely lasted a week a Chief in 2020 before he was cut following an arrest for illegal possession of drugs and weapons, and there were the assault cases of running backs Larry Johnson and Kareem Hunt.
#4) Jacksonville Jaguars – 45
Most Jacksonville Jaguars arrests in the 21st have been barely covered, but the franchise has had its fair share of arrests. Most recently, former wide receiver Zay Jones was charged last November with domestic battery.
Another example is cornerback Chris Claybrooks, who was arrested twice in 2023 for the same count.
#3) Cincinnati Bengals – 54
Vontaze Burfict’s name alone will make Cincinnati Bengals fans shudder, as memories of him knocking out Antonio Brown with a helmet-to-helmet hit in a playoff game reemerge in their minds. But he was far from the only example of former head coach Marvin Lewis’ issues controlling his players.
Multiple players in that era of Bengals football were arrested for violence against women. Adam Jones, Corey Dillon and Robert Sands are but three examples of a problem the organization experienced at the time.
#2) Denver Broncos – 56
The Denver Broncos have seen more than their fair share of arrests with 56. Von Miller, who played linebacker for them from 2011 to 2021, experienced legal issues for assault, and so has former wideout Jerry Jeudy, who was arrested in 2022 for tampering and domestic violence.
#1) Minnesota Vikings – 60
The Jordan Addison DUI case is the latest episode of the Minnesota Vikings‘ nightmarish offseason. This came just days after cornerback Khyree Jackson died in a car accident, with gunshots killing one at his vigil.
The Vikings have had several high-profile cases. Adrian Peterson was charged with felony child abuse for whipping his child, while the “Love Boat” scandal captured international attention in 2005. This scandal resulted in four players being charged and is seen as a contributing factor to the dismissal of head coach Mike Tice.
