It seems like this happens more often with former NFL players than professional athletes in other sports.
A former NFL linebacker has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend.
Darron Lee, who spent five years in the NFL, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Here’s a mugshot:
HCSO Arrests Darron Lee for First-Degree Murder https://t.co/lpyr43A5hC pic.twitter.com/UtgrN8Zd9L
— Hamilton County Sheriff's Office – TN (@hcsotn) February 6, 2026
ESPN provided further information on Lee’s arrest:
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, the New York Jets’ first-round pick in 2016, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, the Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.
Lee, 31, a standout at Ohio State, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody Thursday at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence Thursday afternoon to report a CPR in progress. Upon arrival, first responders located a woman and attempted life-saving measures, but it was determined that she was deceased.
Preliminary findings indicate the victim’s death was the result of a homicide, the sheriff’s office said. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending the notification of family.
The victim’s boyfriend, Lee, also was charged with tampering with evidence. Additional charges could be pending following the outcome of the investigation.
Lee is being held at the Hamilton County prison, according to inmate records. He has a Feb. 11 court date.
Here’s a photo of Lee while he played with the New York Jets:
Former Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee faces murder charges pic.twitter.com/sAKDV2EtVZ
— humanity is kindness (@kindnessarena) February 7, 2026
Fox News provided details on Lee’s previous criminal history:
Lee has had previous run-ins with the law. In 2023, he was arrested in Ohio following allegations of domestic violence against his mother and the mother of his son. He reached a plea agreement, which included a one-day jail sentence.
A national champion with the Buckeyes, Lee was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the Jets but was suspended four games at the end of the season due to a PED violation.
He was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and was a member of the Super Bowl-winning team that season, though he was not active for the game.
He was suspended a second time in 2020 and later signed with the Buffalo Bills and played in two games that year.
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