Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III may be behind bars, but he hasn’t given up on a potential NFL return. According to Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, Ruggs remains motivated and trains in prison. Jacobs shared this update during a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast.
Henry Ruggs NFL Return Still in Sight as He Trains Behind Bars
Despite his conviction, Ruggs hasn’t let go of his NFL dreams. Ruggs continues to train as Jacobs stated, “They got him training and things like that.” Jacobs also mentioned a couple teams of have even shown interest in Ruggs once he’s released. “They’ve been saying a couple of teams are willing to give him a chance. I’m like, When you get that chance, man, you better not ever, don’t look back, and prove to yourself and prove to everybody that one decision don’t define you and who you are as a man”, Jacobs said.
Henry Ruggs Sentence And Parole Date
Ruggs, who turned 26 in January, is serving a sentence of three to ten years for a fatal DUI crash in 2021. He pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter in 2023. He will be eligible for parole on August 5th, 2026. Ruggs was driving at speeds over 150 mph when he crashed into another vehicle, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. His blood alcohol level was found to be twice the legal limit at the time of the collision.
Jacobs Close Friends With Ruggs
“I still talk to Henry. Henry still calls me. I still help him out. We’re still connected. I know his whole family. He’s from Alabama. He played with me at Bama. His momma and them taught me how to bowl. Keeping up with him and hearing him talk, it brings me spirits, because he’s always positive,” Jacobs said on the Pivot Podcast.
Jacobs also shared a personal connection to the tragedy. He was supposed to go out with Ruggs the night of the crash, but didn’t. That choice still weighs heavily on him. “It eats at me,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs described Ruggs as a good person who made one terrible decision. He had no history of legal trouble before the crash. Still, the idea of a Henry Ruggs NFL return sparks debate.
NFL World Divided Over Henry Ruggs NFL Return
Some NFL fans believe in second chances, while others think the tragedy should end his career for good. The possibility of a Henry Ruggs NFL return will remain a polarizing topic. On one hand, he’s a young man taking accountability and putting in the work to change. On the other hand, the pain of what happened can’t be undone. NFL teams will have to weigh public perception, locker room dynamics, and the moral implications of giving him another opportunity.
Whether Ruggs ever steps on an NFL field again or not, his story now serves as a powerful reminder: one decision can change everything.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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