Denzel Perryman’s late-night traffic stop spiraled into a felony weapons arrest, leaving the Chargers linebacker behind bars and his NFL future in serious jeopardy.
At a Glance
- Denzel Perryman arrested in Los Angeles on August 1, 2025
- Five firearms recovered during traffic stop, including two AR-style rifles
- Felony charges filed under California assault weapons ban
- Held without bail, court appearance scheduled for August 5
- Chargers and Perryman’s agent confirm cooperation with authorities
Midnight Bust on the Strip
It was a routine stop that turned into a scandal: just before 9:30 p.m. on August 1, veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman was pulled over by deputies in South Los Angeles. What they discovered in his vehicle shocked even seasoned officers—five firearms, including two AR-style assault rifles that violate California’s strict gun laws, and three loaded handguns.
Watch now: Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested for multiple weapons violations after a traffic stop on Friday, authorities say · YouTube
Perryman, known for his bruising hits and on-field leadership, reportedly cooperated fully during the stop. But cooperation couldn’t override California’s assault weapons prohibition. Deputies arrested the 32-year-old on the spot and booked him into the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station by 10:06 p.m. His bail was denied under the state’s felony firearms statute, and he now awaits an August 5 arraignment in Inglewood Municipal Court.
NFL Fallout and Legal Exposure
This is Perryman’s first felony charge, but not his first controversy. In 2023, while playing for the Houston Texans, he served a suspension for repeated helmet-rule violations. That disciplinary mark now returns to haunt him as the NFL reviews this incident under its personal conduct policy.
While the Chargers have remained mostly silent—acknowledging only that they are “gathering information”—the timing could not be worse. Perryman signed a one-year, $2.655 million deal this offseason to bolster a struggling defense. The team may be forced to reshuffle its linebacker corps pending the legal outcome, which could stretch for months.
Veteran agent Ron Butler, representing Perryman, issued a brief statement committing to full cooperation with prosecutors and expressing hope for a fair resolution. Legal analysts suggest prison time is possible if the rifles are confirmed to be non-compliant under California’s nuanced assault weapons criteria.
Career on the Brink
Perryman’s 11-season NFL career may hang in the balance. Drafted by the Chargers in 2015 and returning this year after stints with the Raiders and Texans, he had recently reestablished himself as a vocal leader in the locker room. Despite injury setbacks, he recorded 55 tackles and a sack over 11 starts last season.
The arrest marks a dramatic fall for a player once considered a cornerstone of multiple defensive units. As fans and media dissect the events, the league’s internal investigation looms large. Should charges be upheld, suspension—or even permanent disqualification—is within reach under league bylaws.
The episode also reignites debate over athletes and firearm ownership, especially in states with aggressive gun control laws. Until the court rules, Perryman remains incarcerated, his cleats idle, his future murky.
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Author: Editor
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