Quinshon Judkins, the Cleveland Browns’ rookie running back selected with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery in Broward County, Florida, following an incident that reportedly occurred on July 7 at Fort Lauderdale International Airport and escalated into physical violence. Court documents and law enforcement reports accuse Judkins, 21, of striking a woman he had recently rekindled a relationship with, allegations that have cast a cloud over his yet-to-be-signed status with the Browns and sparked scrutiny from both the team and the NFL.
According to Fort Lauderdale police, officers responded at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, to a complaint described as a “delayed battery” on West Cypress Creek Road. Investigators spoke with the alleged victim, who described visible bruises on her chin, arm, and thigh, and from that conversation authorities determined a battery had occurred. Officers then made contact with Judkins and took him into custody, transporting him to the Broward County Main Jail. His inmate log lists the charges as “touch or strike/battery/domestic violence,” and the bond was set at $2,500. He was released the following day after an initial court appearance. The judge in the bond hearing also issued a no-contact order prohibiting Judkins from contacting the woman and barred him from possessing firearms (News 5 Cleveland WEWS, ESPN.com).
The arrest affidavit provides a timeline of the alleged assault. On July 7 the couple landed in Fort Lauderdale and proceeded to baggage claim, where the victim says Judkins became angry after reading messages from her family. He allegedly directed remarks including “Oh wow, I can’t believe you” and “I’m so done with you,” leaving the victim confused. As they entered a rental vehicle, the woman attempted to explain the messages were taken out of context, at which point she says Judkins punched her in the mouth or chin with a closed fist. She described visible bruising on her chin area. Later in the drive, she moved to the back seat, and Judkins purportedly turned around while driving to strike her again on the left arm and thigh. At one point they pulled into a Burger King parking lot and the victim exited the vehicle, then reentered and asked him not to touch her again. Throughout, her body showed evidence of bruising, as indicated in photographs she provided to investigators (NBC 6 South Florida).
Reporters have also released audio of a 911 call in which the woman can be heard telling authorities that she was “still in pain” days after the alleged events occurred and that the bruises remained visible on her body. She explained that she had delayed reporting the incident initially because she thought the couple could work through it, but after discussing it with friends and family, realized she had to take action. On the call she said, “I had a high-profile male that I was in a relationship with put his hands on me,” indicating the physical and emotional distress she endured (New York Post).
The Browns organization issued a statement acknowledging they are “aware and gathering more details” regarding the arrest, while the NFL released a statement confirming awareness of the situation but declined further comment. Judkins has notably not yet signed his rookie contract, making him one of a number of second-round picks still unresolved amid disputes over guaranteed money. That status leaves his future with the team especially uncertain, and his leverage in contract negotiations may have eroded significantly as a result of the news (Bleacher Report).
In college, Judkins first gained national attention with Ole Miss, rushing for over 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, earning All‑SEC recognition. He transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season, where he ran for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns and helped the Buckeyes win the College Football Playoff National Championship. He entered the NFL Draft following that season and was widely considered a top-tier running back prospect in April’s draft before being picked by Cleveland (Wikipedia).
The emerging case has already drawn comparisons to other off‑field disciplinary issues in Browns history, and some analysts argue that, should the allegations prove accurate, Judkins could face significant consequences under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. That might include game suspensions or even contract termination, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings and league investigation. Meanwhile, Browns’ depth at running back—featuring veteran Jerome Ford, fellow rookie Dylan Sampson, and Pierre Strong—means other players could step up if Judkins is sidelined (Steelers Depot).
Fan reaction has been swift and critical, with many on social media calling for the Browns to cut Judkins before training camp or preseason games. Some comments argue that a guilty ruling could end his professional career entirely, while others voice broader concern over domestic violence allegations tarnishing the league’s reputation. Among the complaints: “Cut him before preseason starts if the allegations are true” and “If found guilty he should lose the right to play in the NFL for the rest of his life” (The Spun).
Judkins’s legal counsel has taken issue with the accuser’s motives and timing, with his attorney David Weinstein suggesting she may have been encouraged to make an after-the-fact report. Weinstein told the court that the pair came to Fort Lauderdale as friends, and that after the incident the woman stayed for several more days—including celebrating her birthday with Judkins. He also asserted that the state is overstating the facts of the incident (News 5 Cleveland WEWS).
As of now, no trial date has been announced and Judkins remains free on bond. The initial court appearance occurred on Sunday, July 13, following his arrest on Saturday, July 12. The charges carry a maximum penalty under Florida law of up to one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine. The outcome of legal proceedings, combined with potential NFL discipline and contract negotiations, could determine whether Judkins’s promising football future is derailed before it begins (People.com).
This case also arrives at a critical juncture for the Browns, who were poised to reshape their run game after the departure of franchise icon Nick Chubb earlier this offseason. Judkins was widely expected to challenge Jerome Ford for the starting role, and some analysts see this incident shifting opportunity back toward Ford or allowing other rookies, such as Dylan Sampson, to emerge. The team’s first official training camp practices were scheduled to begin later in July 2025, and Judkins’s absence—even if temporary—might influence preseason depth charts and preparations (Men’s Journal).
Beyond on‑field impact, the allegations carry significant off‑field ramifications. It highlights how quickly legal matters can upend a player’s reputation and career arc—even before signing a professional contract. With the NFL reportedly monitoring the case and the Broward County investigation continuing, both the league and the Browns may face public pressure to act decisively. Meanwhile, Judkins must navigate both the court of public opinion and formal legal proceedings in the weeks ahead.
