The wife of former National Football League quarterback Richard Todd has been arrested in Alabama and charged with second-degree domestic violence after allegedly striking him several times with a pair of pliers during an argument at their home, according to court records cited by local media.

American football game at Scott Stadium
American football action, used as a general illustration; this image does not depict Richard Todd. Photo: carlinmack / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Debra Darby Todd, 68, was arrested following an incident reported at about 11:05 p.m. on Monday, November 9, at the couple’s residence in Florence, Lauderdale County. The complaint alleges that she intentionally caused physical injury to her husband by hitting him multiple times with the tool.

The court documents state that Richard Todd, 72, sustained multiple cuts and abrasions to his arms. He reportedly declined medical treatment and was not taken to a hospital. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the charge does not establish guilt.

Debra Todd was booked into the Lauderdale County Jail, with bond set at $30,000, according to reports from local outlets. Subsequent reporting indicated that she no longer appeared in the jail’s custody records, suggesting she may have been released on bond. A court date was reported as pending, and the latest reports did not establish whether she had entered a plea.

The case has drawn attention because Richard Todd was a prominent college and professional football player. The Alabama native played quarterback for the University of Alabama under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant before the New York Jets selected him sixth overall in the 1976 NFL Draft.

Todd spent most of his professional career with the Jets and also played for the New Orleans Saints. He guided New York to consecutive playoff appearances in 1981 and 1982, including the 1982 AFC Championship Game against the Miami Dolphins. He finished his NFL career with 20,610 passing yards and 124 touchdown passes, according to Pro Football Reference.

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame records Todd as a first-team All-SEC selection in 1975 and the Most Valuable Player of the 1975 Sugar Bowl. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

The arrest is a personal matter separate from Todd’s football legacy. As the legal process proceeds, the allegations should be treated as allegations, with the court responsible for determining the facts and any criminal liability. No public statement from Richard Todd or a representative was included in the local reports reviewed for this article.

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