Travis Rudolph has been found not guilty following a murder charge stemming from 2021.
The former New York Giants and Miami Dolphins wide receiver is a free man as he has been acquitted of all charges this Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was slapped with four charges, including one count of first-degree murder with a firearm, in April 2021. He was accused of opening fire on a car in West Palm Beach, Florida with four people inside, killing one of them. The incident came on the back of a dispute he had with a woman earlier on.
Rudolph insisted he had acted in self-defense.
The former wideout and his family were in tears following the reading of the verdict in court this Wednesday but he was able to smile and embrace his lawyer therafter.
“It means everything, man,” he told reporters. “I finally got my freedom back and I can get back to my life.”
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“We knew he wasn’t guilty,” his legal council added. “He’s one of the nicest human beings you ever met whether he plays sports or not. This is an innocent man who did what he had to do.”
Though emotional, Rudolph claimed to be confident he would be acquitted.
“I knew all along,” he said, “I did what I had to do to protect me and my brother’s life.”
The case went to trial last week, with the jurors reaching a verdict after four hours on Wednesday.
The former Florida State star says he plans to revive his football career, though he does not want to return to the NFL.
“I’m going to reach out to my agent and if God’s willing, I’ll still be able to play football,” he remarked. “Definitely planning on getting back to football.”
