Rex Ryan surrenders after alleged Nashville hit-and-run

Former NFL coach Rex Ryan turned himself in to Nashville police Wednesday after allegedly leaving the scene of an altercation involving two pedestrians.

The incident reportedly happened shortly before midnight last Thursday in the city’s Honky Tonk Highway area. Police say Ryan was driving his pickup when he turned right and ran over the feet of two people crossing the street. One person’s leg was also struck, according to the pedestrians.

At a red light, the two people reportedly flagged Ryan down. The 63-year-old got out of his truck and argued with them, then got back in and drove away, police said. The pedestrians took a photo of the vehicle’s license plate.

The allegations have drawn attention in part because Ryan has faced years of public speculation about a foot fetish. Before he became head coach of the New York Jets, videos appeared online that seemed to show his wife’s feet while a man believed to be Ryan spoke behind the camera. Ryan was asked about the videos at a Jets press conference and called the matter personal, declining to discuss it further.

He never confirmed or denied the reports, even when reporters asked repeatedly. In later years, though, Ryan sometimes joked about the subject. During an ESPN discussion about Aaron Rodgers’ toe injury in 2021, he called himself a “toe expert” and said, “Ain’t nothing wrong with Aaron Rodgers.”

The following year, Ryan partnered with Dr. Scholl’s to promote new products. “Two things are for certain: I know football, and I know feet,” he said at the time.

Police said Ryan surrendered on six outstanding misdemeanor warrants. He faces two counts each of leaving the scene of an accident, failing to provide information or render aid, and failing to obey a traffic-control signal.

His bond was set at $6,000. Ryan qualified for pretrial release and was freed. He is scheduled to appear in court next month.