Former NFL player Cierre Wood has been charged with first-degree child abuse over the death of his girlfriend's five-year-old daughter.

The running back, 28, and his partner Amy Taylor, 25, were taken into custody by Las Vegas police Tuesday, after the young girl died in hospital.

Authorities have not released any details about her cause of death. But medical staff called the police to investigate and both Wood and Taylor were arrested.

The pair are each being held on a $5000 bond according to reports.

The coroner's office will perform an autopsy on the five-year-old.

Cierre Wood (left) and Amy Taylor (right) have been arrested and charged by Las Vegas police after the death of Taylor's young daughter

From 2010 until 2013, Wood played college football for Notre Dame, and quickly caught the attention of NFL scouting agents.

He scored 16 touchdowns across the course of three seasons.

However, the athlete's subsequent career in the NFL was limited, and he spent most of his time in practice squads.

Wood began as a free agent with the Houston Texas in January 2013.

The New England Patriots signed him to their practice squad in November of that year, but he was released after less than two months.

Wood enjoyed an illustrious college football career at Nore Dame. He is pictured playing for the college in 2012

Wood quickly caught the attention of NFL scouting agents during his time at Notre Dame. He is pictured on the field in 2011

Later associated with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills, Wood only saw five carries in regular season action.

He was last reported to be playing in the Canadian Football League, but was released in May 2018.

It is unclear when Wood and Taylor began dating, or when he moved to Las Vegas.

A now-defunct Facebook profile shows he is a father to his own young daughter, Braelyn.

A Facebook profile shows photos from 2013 where Wood dotes over a young girl believed to be his own daughter