Former NFL Tight End Arrested After Allegedly Breaking Glass Door in Dallas 7-Eleven

Ex-Detroit Lions player Brandon Pettigrew was taken into custody after allegedly shattering the glass entrance of a convenience store during an early morning incident.

Former NFL tight end Brandon Pettigrew was arrested early Saturday morning in Dallas after allegedly breaking the glass door of a 7-Eleven convenience store.

Surveillance footage obtained by TMZ Sports purportedly shows Pettigrew engaging in an altercation with several individuals inside the store at around 2 a.m. The video appears to capture Pettigrew exchanging words with others before punching the glass door at the entrance, causing it to shatter.

Responding officers reportedly drew their Tasers but refrained from using them. Pettigrew was subsequently booked into the Dallas County Jail on a criminal mischief charge and was released on Sunday afternoon.

This arrest marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Pettigrew, who previously faced charges in Dallas in 2017 for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. In 2018, he was accused of aggravated assault in Pittsburgh stemming from an altercation over an unpaid limo fee, but the charges were later dropped.

Pettigrew spent his entire seven-season NFL career with the Detroit Lions, who selected him with the 20th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State University. During his time in the Motor City, he caught 301 passes for 2,965 yards and 17 touchdowns.

His most productive season came in 2011, when he recorded career highs of 83 receptions, 777 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.

Pettigrew's arrest comes amidst a recent spate of legal issues involving former NFL players. Last month, ex-Dallas Cowboys star Greg Hardy was arrested on drug charges, while former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis was arrested for reckless driving and possession of a controlled substance.

These incidents underscore the challenges that some former athletes face in transitioning to life after professional sports. The combination of financial pressures, psychological stressors, and the lack of a structured routine can lead to struggles with substance abuse, legal issues, and other personal problems.

It is important to provide support and resources to former athletes as they navigate the challenges of post-retirement life. Programs that offer counseling, job training, and financial management assistance can help prevent these individuals from falling into a downward spiral.