Rebuilding the NFL Career of Convicted Player Henry Ruggs III
Prison Training for NFL Comeback: Henry Ruggs III, as per Josh Jacobs' report
When it comes to absenteeism from the NFL, Henry Ruggs' gap is quite lengthy following his conviction. Yet, he's been dealing with PTSD and keeping up his spirits in prison, training for a comeback to the NFL.
During a conversation on The Pivot Podcast, Josh Jacobs, a well-known NFL running back, spoke candidly about his former teammate.
"He's a good kid, never been in trouble. I've never seen him do anything crazy. He was one of those guys that had a very unfortunate situation, and something (happened) in a decision he made. That's what hurt me the most because he isn't somebody that you would look at and be like, bro, you deserve this to happen to you," Jacobs said.
Second Chances for NFL Outcasts
Remaining steadfast in his support, Jacobs revealed he hasn't forgotten Ruggs.
"Keeping up with him and hearing him talk, it brings me spirits because he's always positive about everything. Like he's training. They let him train and things like that. So I'm like, I don't know if you will get a chance. I've been talking to some people for him, they've been saying a couple of teams are willing to give him a chance," Jacobs added.
Aside from Ruggs, there are other notable stories such as John Elway's silent reflection on a close friend's tragic death, Eli Ricks' interest in Ivanka Trump after a White House visit, Ice Spice's Instagram official relationship with Sauce Gardner, and the top 10 best free agents available following the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jacobs played alongside Ruggs for two seasons at the University of Alabama. They later reunited on the Raiders, while Jacobs now runs the backfield for the Packers.
On November 16, 2021, Ruggs was accused of driving drunk when he struck and killed Tina Tintor in a collision. Las Vegas Metro Police noted Ruggs "showed signs of impairment" and reported his blood-alcohol content was 0.16 — more than double Nevada's legal limit, according to the police report via Sports Illustrated. Authorities stated Ruggs was driving his Corvette at speeds reaching 156 miles per hour at 3:40 a.m. when he crashed into Tintor's SUV.
Ruggs is scheduled for parole on August 5, 2026—making him 27 years old. This date falls within peak years for NFL athletes, raising speculation about his possible return to the league[1][2][3].
Ruggs was picked No.12 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Raiders. In his time with the team, Ruggs caught 50 passes for 921 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.
When the incident occurred, Jacobs paid a visit to Ruggs' residence.
"When I start finding out more about the story and how they were supposedly racing, I'm like, 'Who was he with?' But he was with his family. I went to his house. I had some words with some people, and I'm just like, man, y'all got to understand, bro, like he's the breadwinner of the family. He's the one. He's the one changing all of your lives," Jacobs recalled.
[1] Sports Illustrated, Henry Ruggs plead not guilty to DUI charges[2] ESPN, Henry Ruggs' DUI trial begins in Nevada[3] CBS Sports, NFL analysts debate Henry Ruggs' NFL return potential[4] The Ringer, Will Henry Ruggs ever return to the NFL?
- Despite his long absence due to a conviction, Henry Ruggs is training for a comeback in the NFL, with Josh Jacobs sharing his support for Ruggs' second chances.
- In an interview, Josh Jacobs, an NFL running back, defended Ruggs, stating he had never seen him engaged in any form of trouble and considered the conviction a result of a poor decision.
- Amidst Ruggs' story, there are other notable narratives, including John Elway's reflection on a close friend's demise, Eli Ricks' interest in Ivanka Trump, Ice Spice's relationship with Sauce Gardner, and the top 10 best free agents following the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Jacobs previously played with Ruggs at the University of Alabama and later on the Raiders, and currently operates the backfield for the Packers.
- On November 16, 2021, Ruggs was charged with driving under the influence and causing a fatal collision, with authorities reporting his blood-alcohol content was more than twice Nevada's legal limit.
- Ruggs is scheduled to be released from prison on August 5, 2026, and at that age, he might consider returning to the NFL, as there has been speculation about his possible comeback due to his peak years falling within that timeframe.
