Jaguars DB Earl Wolff Released After Being Kidnapped at Gunpoint Last Month

On February 23, Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad defensive back Earl Wolff was walking to his car after visiting friends in Fayetteville, North Carolina when a group of armed men approached him, pushed him into his car, and kidnapped him at gunpoint, according to the Fayetteville Observer. Wolff was released shortly after, according to police—who received a call about the kidnapping at 3 a.m. on the day of the incident—and his car was found in a nearby city.

Police say that investigators don’t know if Wolff was targeted or if he was chosen at random, but that he was unharmed when released. Jaguars senior manager of PR Tad Dickman spoke with Wolff and confirmed his wellbeing, but asked the press to give Wolff space.

Twenty-one-year-old Raeford, North Carolina man Bobby Deshawn Bailey has been arrested in connection with the case, and was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy, larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of marijuana, police said.

Wolff attended nearby Hoke County High School, played at NC State, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. He played 18 games professionally before he was waived with a knee injury settlement in August. The Jaguars later signed him to their practice squad in December.