Former Super Bowl champion and NFL running back Derrick Ward has been arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of robbing multiple businesses, including petrol stations. The 43-year-old, who won a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants, was taken into custody on Monday and is facing felony charges. However, police have stated that Ward is not suspected of using a firearm during any of the robberies.

Ward, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 230 pounds, was born in Southern California's Riverside County and played college football at Fresno State and Ottawa University in Kansas. Although he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2004, he was cut before ever playing a regular season game. Despite this setback, Ward went on to have an eight-season career that included stints with the Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans.

During his time with the Giants, Ward enjoyed his most productive years, rushing for 1,750 yards in 51 games between 2004 and 2009. He was a key part of the team's success in 2007 when they made an improbable Super Bowl run and defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots. Although Ward was unable to play in the championship game due to a broken leg, he bounced back the following season, rushing for a career-high 1,025 yards.

Ward's arrest in Los Angeles has come as a shock to many, as he had retired from the NFL in 2012 and appeared to have moved on from his football career. The details of his alleged involvement in multiple robberies and the use of force to obtain money from businesses are still emerging. It remains unclear if Ward has obtained legal representation at this time.