Darron Lee arrest, explained: What to know about former NFL linebacker's arrest for girlfriend's alleged murder

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend. The chargers were announced by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee on Friday, February 6. 

Lee, who spent time in the league with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders from 2016 to 2021, has been taken into custody. He is being held at Hamilton County prison and has a February 11 court date, per inmate records. 

Here is what we know about Lee getting charged with alleged murder in his girlfriend's death.

Darron Lee arrested for murder

Cops were initially dispatched to a home near Ooltewah, Tenn., which is about two and a half hours outside of Nashville. They were sent to check on a reported CPR in progress. They found the victim and attempted to save her life, but she reportedly succumbed to her sustained injuries. 

Initially, they believed the incident to be a homicide. Lee was at the scene and identified as a suspect and was taken into custody. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Jail records say that he is being held without bond.

Darron Lee arrest history

This is not the first time that Lee has been arrested. In 2023, the former NFL linebacker was arrested for assault and domestic violence while in Ohio in 2023. He later pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal.

Darron Lee college

Lee was a standout linebacker for Ohio State from 2013 to 2015. He was then drafted by the Jets with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. 

Lee played football and ran track in high school. On the football field, he played quarterback, wide receiver, safety and was a return specialist. When Lee went to Ohio State it was initially as a safety, but then he moved to linebacker before his redshirt freshman season in 2014.

After an injury forced him to medical redshirt in 2013, he played in 15 games in 2014 and finished with 81 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and two interceptions. Lee won the national championship with the Buckeyes and returned to the school in 2015. He took a slight step back, but was still impressive in 13 games with 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception.