Body cam footage shows DWI arrest of ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett

Publish date: 2024-05-04
Ryan Mallett was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a two-car crash in Arkansas

Ryan Mallett was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a two-car crash in Arkansas

Newly released police body-cam footage shows former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett failing his field sobriety test before being booked for driving while intoxicated last week.

The 31-year-old former backup to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was said by police to be 'swaying heavily' as they tested his sobriety during the September 10 arrest in Springdale, Arkansas. Video from the arrest shows Mallett teetering back and forth while struggling to pass the sobriety test.

Police had pulled Mallett over after receiving a call that the former University of Arkansas star was involved in a two-car accident. Police from the nearby Tontitown also responded to a call, and were warned that one of the drivers was likely intoxicated, according to KFSM.

The driver of the other car told police he was cut off by a silver pickup truck that was later revealed to be driven by Mallett.

The other driver swerved out of the way, but was struck by Mallett's pickup when the former Razorbacks quarterback pulled his truck back into its own lane. 

Police had pulled Mallett over after receiving a call that the former University of Arkansas star was involved in a two-car accident. Police from the nearby Tontitown also responded to a call, and were warned that one of the drivers was likely intoxicated The driver of the other car told police he was cut off by a silver pickup truck that was later revealed to be driven by Mallett. The other driver swerved out of the way, but was struck by Mallett's pickup when the former Razorbacks quarterback pulled his truck back into its own lane

Police had pulled Mallett over after receiving a call that the former University of Arkansas star was involved in a two-car accident. Police from the nearby Tontitown also responded to a call, and were warned that one of the drivers was likely intoxicated

Mallett can be seen struggling to handle the sobriety test during his DWI arrest on Tuesday. At one point Mallett was asked to walk nine steps, heel to toe, on a straight line. He needed the police officer to repeat the instructions several times

Mallett can be seen struggling to handle the sobriety test during his DWI arrest on Tuesday. At one point Mallett was asked to walk nine steps, heel to toe, on a straight line. He needed the police officer to repeat the instructions several times

Mallett's five-year NFL career included a stint as backup to Patriots QB Tom Brady (left)

Mallett's five-year NFL career included a stint as backup to Patriots QB Tom Brady (left) 

Police were looking for Mallett's silver pickup truck after a report of a two-car crash in the area Mallett, at six-foot-six, towered over the arresting officer

Police were looking for Mallett's silver pickup truck after a report of a two-car crash in the area

The Arkansas native and former Razorbacks star claimed he had only one beer that day

The Arkansas native and former Razorbacks star claimed he had only one beer that day 

The six-foot-six Mallett struggled to fit in the back seat of the police cruiser after his arrest

The six-foot-six Mallett struggled to fit in the back seat of the police cruiser after his arrest

After pulling Mallett over, police 'observed him to have bloodshot, watery eyes and could smell a strong odor of intoxicants,' according to the arrest report.

Mallett admitted to swerving over the center line and told police he had 'one beer.'

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At one point during the arrest, Mallett was asked to walk nine steps, heel to toe, on a straight line. He needed the police officer to repeat the instructions several times. 

'Okay, based off the test, it appears that you may be intoxicated,' the police officer said when Mallett was finished with the sobriety test. 

Mallett is cooperative throughout the arrest.

As he was being handcuffed, Mallett seemed to express some concern that the handcuffs were too tight.

As he was being handcuffed, Mallett seemed to express some concern that the handcuffs were too tight

As he was being handcuffed, Mallett seemed to express some concern that the handcuffs were too tight

'I promise it's not gonna hurt this time,' the officer said. 'We're gonna take good care of you, bud.'

Mallett was booked at the Springdale City Jail, where he was later found to have a blood-alcohol content of .081, which is narrowly above the legal limit of .08. He was also given a citation for careless driving.

He is due back in court on October 14.  

The native of Batesville, Arkansas was arrested in Fayetteville in 2009 for public intoxication, pleading guilty to the misdemeanor charge and paying a fine.

Mallett was a third-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2011. He played in 21 games (eight starts) from 2012-17 while serving stints with the Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.

Mallett completed 55.1 percent of his attempts for 1,835 yards and nine touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He last saw action for the Ravens in 2017.

After beginning his college career at Michigan, Mallett transferred to Arkansas and passed for 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns against 19 interceptions in two seasons (2009-10).

Mallett was booked at the Springdale City Jail, where he was later found to have a blood-alcohol content of .081, which is narrowly above the legal limit of .08. He was also given a citation for careless driving

Mallett was booked at the Springdale City Jail, where he was later found to have a blood-alcohol content of .081, which is narrowly above the legal limit of .08. He was also given a citation for careless driving

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