The wife of former NFL quarterback Richard Todd has been arrested on a felony domestic violence charge after allegedly attacking the one-time New York Jets star with a pair of pliers during an argument at their Alabama home.
Debra Darby Todd, 68, was taken into custody following the disturbing incident involving her 72-year-old husband, a former University of Alabama standout who spent a decade playing professional football.
According to court documents, the confrontation unfolded around 11 p.m. Monday, November 9, at the couple’s residence in Florence, Alabama.
Investigators allege that Debra repeatedly struck her husband with a pair of pliers during an argument, leaving him with multiple cuts and abrasions on his arms.
Despite his injuries, Richard reportedly declined medical treatment and did not go to the hospital.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed what sparked the confrontation or whether there had been any previous domestic incidents involving the couple.
Debra was arrested and charged with second-degree domestic violence assault, a felony under Alabama law. She was booked into the Lauderdale County Jail, where her bond was initially set at $30,000.
Although her name later disappeared from the jail’s online custody records, suggesting she may have been released, officials have not publicly confirmed the circumstances of her release.
A court date was still pending as of Thursday, November 12.
The arrest has drawn attention because of Richard’s lengthy football career and his connection to one of college football’s most celebrated programs.
A native of Alabama, Richard played quarterback for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama during the 1970s, helping the Crimson Tide capture the 1973 national championship and multiple Southeastern Conference titles.
His impressive college career led the New York Jets to select him with the sixth overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft.
Richard eventually succeeded Joe Namath as the Jets’ starting quarterback, becoming a familiar face to football fans throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He helped guide New York to consecutive playoff appearances in 1981 and 1982, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game.
After eight seasons with the Jets, he finished his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints in 1985.
During his professional career, Richard threw for 20,610 yards and 124 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
Following his retirement, he moved into investment banking and the securities industry before eventually settling in the Florence area.
The former quarterback and his wife have also been involved in raising cattle and horses on their Alabama property.
The allegations have now placed the retired football star and his family in the spotlight for reasons far removed from his achievements on the field.