Below is a timeline of events related to the early career and arrest of Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who turned himself in at Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County on Wednesday. Arnold, 23, is facing multiple counts of kidnapping and armed robbery stemming from an alleged incident that occurred in Florida.
Detroit Lions draft Terrion Arnold — April 25, 2024
The Lions entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a significant need at cornerback, and they benefitted from an NFL-record 23 offensive prospects coming off the board in the first round. The first defensive player selected was UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu, who the Indianapolis Colts selected 15th overall. Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 22, was the first defensive back taken. The Lions traded picks Nos. 29 and 73 to make a deal with the Dallas Cowboys to move up five spots and pick Arnold, who played collegiately at Alabama.
Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was Detroit’s selection in the second round. Other cornerbacks drafted between Arnold and Rakestraw included Clemson’s Nate Wiggins (Baltimore Ravens), Iowa’s Cooper DeJean (Eagles), Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter (Houston Texans), Rutgers’ Max Melton (Arizona Cardinals) and Michigan’s Mike Sainristil (Washington Commanders). Florida State’s Renardo Green (San Francisco 49ers) was the final pick of the second round.
Arnold makes NFL debut — Sept. 8, 2024
Detroit’s season opener in 2024 came against the Los Angeles Rams, a rematch of the previous season’s playoff matchup at Ford Field. Arnold started in the outing and played 76 snaps on defense. He allowed eight receptions for 57 yards while in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus, and made eight tackles in the win. Arnold appeared in every game his rookie season with the exception of a Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts, which he was unavailable for because of a groin injury. Arnold was one of three defenders on the Lions to play more than 1,000 snaps over the regular season and playoffs in 2024, along with safety Kerby Joseph and linebacker Jack Campbell.
Shoulder injury ends Arnold’s second season — Nov. 27, 2025
Following a strong training camp and an up-and-down start to the 2025 season, Arnold flashed his talent and had one a promising performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 5, though he also sustained an injury to his shoulder in the game which sidelined him for about a month. Arnold recorded his first career interception in his return versus the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 2, but suffered a concussion at the Commanders the next week and missed the following two games because of it. He played only 18 snaps against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 27 because of the shoulder injury. Arnold was placed on injured reserve the following day.
Judge ties Arnold to robbery, kidnapping — Feb. 24, 2025
In a court order from Hillsborough County Circuit Judge J. Logan Murphy as part of a pretrial detention hearing for another person allegedly tied to the robbery and kidnapping, Arnold’s name was mentioned. The order said the incident was a result of “Arnold and his friends” taking matters “into their own hands” following a rental home of Arnold’s being robbed. According to a police report with the Largo Police Department on Feb. 3, Arnold alleged high-end bags, guns, jewelry, a cellphone and $100,000 in cash were stolen from him. The alleged robbery and kidnapping in which Arnold and six others has been arrested is said to have occurred on Feb. 4.
Arnold turns himself in — June 24, 2025
Despite being named in the court order, Arnold was not arrested until Wednesday, when he turned himself in. “Investigators believe, based on evidence gathered, that Arnold was the primary conspirator” of the robbery and kidnapping, a release from the City of Tampa said. Arnold, who will have a pretrial detention hearing Monday, has denied any involvement in the incident through a spokesperson.
“Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence,” CEO of EAG Sports Management Denise White said in a statement. “There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations. Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences. Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.”
rsilva@detroitnews.com
@rich_silva18
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Here’s a look at Terrion Arnold’s time with Lions so far, from draft to arrest
Reporting by Richard Silva, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Richard Silva, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
