In November 2021, Henry Ruggs III’s promising NFL career came to a tragic halt when he was involved in a high-speed DUI crash that claimed the life of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. The former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter.
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This would have been a career-ending moment for Ruggs. However, it seems an opportunity to resurrect his career has opened up for him. According to recent reports, the Alabama alum could be eligible for parole as early as August 2026.
That could potentially pave the way for an NFL comeback. Legal experts have stated that if Ruggs serves the minimum three years of his sentence, he will be 27 years old upon release — still within the prime years for an NFL athlete.
The question, though, is, will the ex-Raider find any suitors? While Michael Vick remains the biggest example of NFL stars making a comeback after serving a prison sentence. Vick served a 21-month sentence from 2007 to 2009 for his involvement in a dog fighting ring. He returned to the NFL, joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.
However, the circumstances and times are different now. For Ruggs to return to professional football, he would first need to be reinstated by the league. The NFL had indefinitely suspended him after his DUI incident. Then, the former NFL player would need a team willing to sign him.
Both factors remain uncertain given the gravity of his offense and how much NFL teams value positive PR these days.
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However, the possibility of Ruggs’ return has ignited a debate among NFL fans. Interestingly enough, there seems to be a divide among internet users, with a good chunk of people believing that Ruggs deserves a shot at redemption.
“Yes, everyone deserves a second chance,” said a fan.
“He deserves a second chance; he didn’t intentionally mean to kill someone. He deserves to do the time for it and be given a second chance when he comes out,” another chimed in.
The other half, meanwhile, argued that Ruggs shouldn’t see the field for two reasons. First, playing in the NFL after getting out of prison shouldn’t be an option for someone convicted of a crime — community service should be. Second, Ruggs thriving in the big league would be disrespectful to the family of the deceased.
“As a Bama fan. He needs to stay in prison. And also, if he does get out, no NFL comeback needs to be in the cards. Go back to college, get your degree, and start a charity for drinking and driving,” commented a fan.
“It will be disrespectful to the victim and her family for him to continue life by returning to the NFL after a short prison sentence,” added another.
This discussion becomes more complex when put into context with the recent tragedy of Kyren Lacy, a former LSU wide receiver and NFL draft prospect. Lacy died in an apparent suicide on April 12, just days before a grand jury was set to consider charges against him for a fatal hit-and-run incident.
The incidents of Ruggs and Lacy raise important questions about accountability, redemption, and the role of public perception in determining an individual’s future. While Ruggs may get a path back to the NFL, Lacy’s story ended before he had the opportunity to defend himself in court.
There is no clarity in Ruggs’ case either. This will be an evolving discourse as long as the NFL doesn’t make clear rules around the comeback of players who were convicted of a crime.
