A viral video has put former Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III back in the spotlight. Speaking from a 'Hope for Prisoners' event, Ruggs broke his silence on the 2021 car crash that ended his NFL career and a young woman's life.

“I'm not even a big user, but I started to. Trying to balance life & football, putting football on the forefront, but still trying to escape back into life. It kind of just didn't mix,” Ruggs said in the video posted by MLFootball on X.

On 2 November 2021, Ruggs was driving his sports car under the influence at a speed of 156 mph.

He slammed into another vehicle, fatally wounding Tina Tintor (23). According to official reports, Tintor was driving just over 43 mph. She and her dog died from thermal injuries.

Ruggs was a first-round, 12th overall pick from Alabama in 2020. He played in 20 games for the Las Vegas Raiders till 2021. He made 50 receptions out of 79 targets for 921 yards. In the two seasons he played, Ruggs scored four touchdowns. 

Before the 2020 draft, Ruggs was predicted to be a definite round one pick for his impressive college performances. And although he played in the pro league briefly, he is not done yet.

After Serving His Sentence, Henry Ruggs Hopes to Return to the NFL

Ruggs was sentenced to imprisonment for 3-10 years at the Nevada Prison.

At 26, Henry Ruggs III took an unexpected step forward, earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama while behind bars.

Listed under the school’s fall commencement for a degree in commerce and business administration. He also earned a degree with a 4.0 GPA, a significant academic achievement during his incarceration.

Ruggs was also granted a special release for the event. At the event, he recounted the habits that led to the crash that ended a life and his career. He also apologized to Tina’s family for constantly reminding them of their loss. 

“I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact my face is always in the news, it's always in the newspaper. So they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, be reminded of me,” Ruggs said.

Ruggs has spent half a decade imprisoned and is looking forward to his life after his sentence. Reports suggest that Ruggs would like to play.

On Friday, the Touchdown Wire reported that he has been training and would like to return to the Las Vegas Raiders. 

While Ruggs has made no public appearances, his admission and apology have brought him up in conversations again. What the future will look like is yet to be seen. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote