Jets’ Todd Downing DUI Arrest: In A Video Blames ‘Death Threat’ For His Action

On police footage from his DUI arrest in November, the new Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing claimed that his family had received a death threat.

In the body cam film, which TMZ was able to get, Downing acknowledged consuming “a victory beer in Green Bay” before being detained for a DUI on November 17, 2022, following a “Thursday Night Football” victory against the Packers.

Jets’ Todd Downing Arrested For Drunk & Rash Driving: Blames ‘Death Threat’ For His Action

Downing informed the Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper that he was trying to return home to his family due to a death threat. Police said that Downing was “hauling ass” and travelling “well over 100 [mph]” in his black Mercedes.

After apologizing for speeding, Downing said, “We just landed, I’m with the Titans.

“I got a death threat tonight and the Franklin police are outside my house and I was trying to get home to my family.”

The officer said he noticed an odor of alcohol on Downing’s breath and slurred speech.

The 42-year-old coach said he had not been drinking, adding, “you can check with our security.”

Prior to a series of field sobriety tests — which were conducted on the side of the road, near a gas station — Downing then said he had “a victory beer in Green Bay.”

“I never meant to go reckless, I’m just worried about my family,” he said.

Downing was then put in handcuffs and placed under arrest for DUI.

“Here’s the deal, I think you’ve had entirely too much to drink tonight to be behind the wheel of a car,” the arresting officer said.

“Hey Jon, hey, man, I was rushing home and I got arrested for DUI,” Downing said.

“I was panicking because I was scared about my family, and I had a victory beer.”

The Titans’ general manager at the time was Jon Robinson, albeit it was not made clear who was on the other end of the line.

The caller was then questioned by the officer on Downing’s familial circumstances.

“There had been some social media stuff… he’s telling the truth about that,” the person said.

But, according to TMZ, Downing said that he would rather have head coach Mike Vrabel deliver the news of his arrest.

After that, Downing was taken to a hospital where he had his blood taken.

At after 4:30 a.m., he was then taken into custody and released a few hours later.

Downing was accused of speeding and impaired driving.

To end the case, Downing spent 48 hours in jail in January.

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