University of Wisconsin football staff member and former Super Bowl champion Jack Del Rio was arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) after reportedly hitting a street sign and crashing through a fence. The incident has drawn attention due to Del Rio’s high-profile role within the football community and his significant coaching history in the NFL.
Del Rio, who joined the University of Wisconsin football program as the Senior Advisor to the Head Coach in August, was involved in the crash just after 12:30 a.m. on November 8. The incident took place along South Segoe Road at Keating Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. According to reports, Del Rio’s vehicle hit a street sign before crashing through a residential fence, eventually coming to a stop in a yard.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported on the incident, stating, “Wisconsin staff member Jack Del Rio, the former NFL coach, was arrested early Friday for operating while intoxicated after a car he was driving hit a street sign and broke a fence. He ‘showed signs of impairment,’ per Madison police. No injuries were reported.”
According to Madison Police Department spokesperson Stephanie Fryer, witnesses in the area directed police officers to Del Rio, who was seen walking away from the scene of the crash. Officers then detained the 61-year-old coach, and he was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for a blood draw to determine his blood alcohol level. Following the procedure, Del Rio was released to a responsible party.
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The University of Wisconsin released a statement acknowledging the situation, saying, “Wisconsin athletics is aware of the incident involving football staff member Jack Del Rio. We take matters like this very seriously and we are continuing to gather information.” The statement reflects the university’s commitment to understanding the full context of the incident and addressing it appropriately.
The Badgers, who currently have a 5-4 record, are preparing to take on the top-ranked and undefeated Oregon Ducks on Saturday. The timing of the incident comes as the team is gearing up for a major challenge, adding another layer of complexity to an already critical point in their season.
Jack Del Rio’s role with the Badgers has been as a Senior Advisor to the Head Coach, providing general support on both sides of the ball and serving as a sounding board for player personnel staff.
According to Badger Extra, Del Rio’s contributions were seen as instrumental in helping Wisconsin transition to a more professional model of player management, as proposed in the settlement of the House v. NCAA antitrust lawsuit. Players described Del Rio as a valuable “resource,” often seen popping into meeting rooms to offer advice and share his wealth of experience.
Del Rio’s extensive background in football began with his playing days as a linebacker at the University of Southern California (USC).
He then went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, suiting up for teams including the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings. Following his playing career, Del Rio transitioned to coaching, where he built an impressive resume across various levels of the league.
He began his coaching career as an assistant with the New Orleans Saints, before moving on to roles with the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Washington Commanders. He also held head coaching positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2002 to 2011 and the Oakland Raiders from 2015 to 2017.
Notably, Del Rio was the linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens during their Super Bowl XXXV championship run, further solidifying his reputation as a successful defensive coach.
The recent incident is a stark contrast to Del Rio’s decorated career in football. While his contributions to both collegiate and professional football have earned him respect within the community, the OWI arrest has raised questions about his current role with Wisconsin and what repercussions may follow.
For now, the University of Wisconsin has indicated that they are investigating the situation, and Del Rio’s future with the program remains uncertain.
The Badgers will move forward with their preparations for Saturday’s matchup against Oregon, hoping to keep their focus on the game despite the off-field distraction.
As for Del Rio, this incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can come from impaired driving, and the impact it can have on both personal and professional lives.
