Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a charge related to domestic violence, according to public records from Broward County. The listed charge is “Touch or Strike/Battery/Domestic Violence.” Judkins remains in jail as of Sunday morning, pending his initial court appearance.
The Browns issued a brief statement through the Akron Beacon Journal’s Chris Easterling, saying they are “aware and gathering information” regarding the situation. The team has not offered further comment.
A Promising Start Derailed
Judkins was drafted 36th overall by the Browns in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Ole Miss standout transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season, where he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. In the title game against Notre Dame, Judkins scored three touchdowns and solidified himself as one of the top running backs in the country, finishing the season with 1,060 rushing yards.
Cleveland, looking to reshape its backfield following the departure of Nick Chubb in free agency, selected Judkins and Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson in the draft. Judkins was expected to compete for significant playing time alongside Jerome Ford this season.
However, Saturday’s arrest throws that future into question.
Contract Dispute and Timing
Judkins is currently the only member of the Browns’ rookie class who has not yet signed his contract, part of a broader trend among second-round picks negotiating for more guaranteed money. With training camp set to begin this Friday for Browns rookies, his unsigned status was already drawing attention. This arrest could now significantly undermine his negotiating leverage—if the team chooses to proceed with a contract at all.
Public Reaction Swift and Harsh
NFL fans and media figures quickly reacted to the news with disappointment and frustration. Online reactions ranged from calls to “cut him before preseason starts if the allegations are true” to calls for a lifetime ban from the league if convicted. Others criticized the timing and decision-making: “Ruining your career before it even gets started,” one commenter wrote.
The NFL has yet to issue a statement, but Judkins could be subject to the league’s personal conduct policy, which allows for disciplinary action—including suspension—regardless of criminal charges or conviction.
A Career in Jeopardy?
If convicted or even if more damaging details emerge, Judkins’ NFL future could be in serious jeopardy before it begins. Despite his decorated college career—including All-SEC honors at Ole Miss and national champion status at Ohio State—the Browns may reassess his place on the roster. And with a court appearance looming and the league watching closely, Judkins now faces a critical turning point in both his personal and professional life.
As the situation unfolds, the Browns and the NFL will be forced to weigh talent against principle, and Judkins will need more than a strong ground game to navigate the fallout from his off-field actions.
