Henry Ruggs III, once a rising star for the Las Vegas Raiders, now sits in a Nevada state prison, his career derailed by a tragic decision that cost an innocent life. But as his potential parole date approaches in 2026, the question on many minds is: Will he ever play football again?
The former Alabama standout’s fall from grace was as swift as his legendary 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine. Selected 12th overall by the Raiders, Ruggs showed flashes of brilliance in his brief NFL career, amassing 921 receiving yards and four touchdowns in just 20 games.
His electrifying speed and big-play ability had Raiders fans dreaming of a new era of offensive firepower that sadly never came. Now, NFL Insider, Albert Breer, discusses whether Ruggs will see a second chance in the NFL.
NFL Insider Discusses If Henry Ruggs III Will Get A Second Chance In The NFL
In November of 2021, Ruggs made a decision that would change everything. Driving under the influence, and exceeding 150 mph, he crashed into another vehicle, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.
One of the NFL’s most promising receivers in a long time was immediately released by the Las Vegas Raiders and faced a very harsh reality: his actions had not only ended a life, but potentially his career.
“I believe we could see Henry Ruggs III in an NFL uniform again,” Breer writes. The former Las Vegas Raiders receiver spoke publicly for the first time since killing Tina Tintor and her dog four years ago, as part of a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas.
Former Raider Henry Ruggs III speaking tonight at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/KPhfY2TOeO
— Bryan Horwath (@bryanhorwath) June 18, 2025
Ruggs said that he wishes he could “turn back the hands of time.” He also said that he’d “love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something.” The 26-year-old went on to explain how that “escape” for him was through drinking.
He was trying to get away from the expectations of being the 12th pick in the NFL Draft. This pick came with immensely high expectations as he was arguably one of the most highly-touted wide receivers of all time. Unfortunately, Ruggs crumbled under the pressure.
Eventually, people will begin to look forward again, and Rugg’s recent public appearance was a reminder that he’ll be eligible for prole in early August 2026. At that point, he’ll be 27 years old, and on paper, he’d look to be in the heart of his athletic prime. Now, it’s still unclear if the NFL would suspend him.
Breer checked with the league office and was told that the matter would be “reviewed” ahead of any reinstatement. However, second chances in the NFL are often things that aren’t unheard of. Michael Vick may be the closest comparison to Ruggs. He was suspended indefinitely by Goodell in 2007, then imprisoned for two years, then reinstated by the NFL in 2009.
It’s far too early to imagine which team would pick him up. However, to say Ruggs’ future is all but over would be just untrue. If Ruggs can prove to teams that he’s learned and grown from a terrible, fatal mistake, he could see himself get a second chance. The next team he goes to could get the best version of Ruggs yet.
Breer writes, “First, if he can still run like he used to, he has an element of speed that every team is always looking for. Second, his reputation off the field coming out of Alabama was good. That doesn’t fix what he’s done. But it’s reason to believe that he’s going to give himself the best chance to rebuild his life and give some new team real value.”
So, will we see Ruggs back on an NFL field one day? It’s tough to say right now. Let’s say he gets out on parole next year, what kind of condition will he be in still? That’s a tell-tale sign right there. One thing we know for sure is that Ruggs can rewrite his story, but he now holds the pen.
