Introduction to Henry Ruggs’ Situation
Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs, who is serving more than three years in prison for a fatal 2021 DUI crash in Nevada, is training in case an NFL team calls him when he’s released, according to a former teammate.
Josh Jacobs, who played for the Raiders at the start of his career before signing with the Green Bay Packers, talked about Ruggs in a recent podcast interview. Ruggs could be paroled by August 2026, according to Pro Football Talk.
Training and Rehabilitation
"Keeping up with him and hearing him talk, it brings me spirits, because he’s always positive," the running back said on "The Pivot Podcast." "He’s positive about everything. He’s training. They let him train and things like that, so I’m like, ‘When you come out, man, 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. 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.’"
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Ruggs was sentenced to three-plus years in a Nevada prison for killing a woman in a fiery crash while he was driving his sports car drunk at speeds up to 156 mph. The collision also killed the victim’s dog and injured Ruggs’ fiancée. He apologized at his sentencing hearing. He pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
Previous Coverage
Jacobs said he was supposed to join Ruggs on a Top Golf trip the night of the crash. He said he "instantly" got mad when he heard about the situation.
"And then when I start finding out more about the story and about how they were supposed to be racing, I’m like, ‘Who was he with?’ But he was with his family. So, I went to his house. I had some words with some people over there, and I’m just like, ‘Man, y’all got to understand, like, he the breadwinner of the family. He the one changing all of y’all’s lives everybody.’"
Jacobs said Ruggs is a "good kid" in a "very, very unfortunate situation."
NFL Career and Future Prospects
The Raiders selected Ruggs with the No. 12 pick of the 2020 draft. He played two seasons before the deadly crash.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ story is one of tragic consequences and the hope for redemption. As he trains in prison, the possibility of an NFL return looms, with some teams potentially willing to give him a second chance. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from mistakes and the power of perseverance.
FAQs
- Q: How long is Henry Ruggs serving in prison?
A: Henry Ruggs is serving more than three years in prison. - Q: What was the nature of the incident that led to Ruggs’ imprisonment?
A: Ruggs was involved in a fatal DUI crash that killed a woman and her dog, and injured his fiancée. - Q: Is there a possibility of Henry Ruggs returning to the NFL?
A: Yes, according to his former teammate Josh Jacobs, some teams might be willing to give Ruggs a chance after his release. - Q: When could Henry Ruggs be paroled?
A: Ruggs could be paroled by August 2026.
