Henry Ruggs
Henry Ruggs III (born January 24, 1999) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Las Vegas Raiders.[1] He attended the University of Alabama, where he recorded 98 receptions for 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns over three seasons, contributing to national championships in 2017 and 2020.[2] Selected 12th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Raiders, Ruggs was noted for his exceptional speed, running a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fastest among wide receivers that year.[1] In his brief NFL career spanning 20 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he amassed 50 receptions for 921 receiving yards and four touchdowns before being released by the team following a fatal drunk driving incident.[2] On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a high-speed car crash in Las Vegas, where he was driving a Chevrolet Corvette at 156 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone with a blood alcohol content of 0.161—more than twice Nevada's legal limit of 0.08.[3] His vehicle rear-ended a Toyota RAV4 driven by 23-year-old Tina Tintor, causing her car to erupt in flames; Tintor and her golden retriever died from thermal injuries at the scene, while Ruggs sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was arrested shortly after.[3] The Raiders waived him the following day, ending his professional football career at that point.[3] In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to one felony count of DUI resulting in death and one felony count of reckless driving resulting in substantial bodily harm.[4] On August 9, 2023, he was sentenced by Clark County District Judge Jennifer Schwartz to a prison term of three to ten years, with the possibility of parole after serving the minimum; he began serving his sentence at High Desert State Prison in Nevada.[4] As of 2025, Ruggs remains incarcerated, though reports indicate he has expressed interest in an NFL comeback upon potential release eligibility around 2026.[5]Early life
Family and upbringing
Henry James Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama.[1] He grew up as the youngest of five brothers in a working-class household led by his parents, Nataki Ruggs and Henry Ruggs Jr., who provided steady support despite limited resources.[6][7] His older brothers—Courtney Timmons, Henry Timmons, Darius Williams, and Kevontae Ruggs—fostered a competitive family environment, often expressing pride in one another's pursuits and emphasizing unity.[8][9] From a young age, Ruggs developed an interest in athletics through participation in local youth leagues in Montgomery, including the Montgomery City Chiefs recreational football team alongside his brother Kevontae when they were around 8 or 9 years old.[9] His family's encouragement played a key role in nurturing this passion, with parents and siblings actively attending events and promoting discipline.[7][8] During his junior year of high school, Ruggs was deeply affected by the death of his childhood best friend, Roderic Scott, in a car accident. Traumatized by the incident, Ruggs refused to drive until the end of his senior year, relying on his siblings for transportation. In response, he dedicated his football career to Scott, saluting him with three fingers after touchdowns and announcing his commitment to Alabama in a video filmed near Scott's grave.[10] The tight-knit Montgomery community, where Ruggs spent his formative years without relocation, further influenced his personality and work ethic, instilling values of resilience and community loyalty that his family reinforced at home.[10]High school career
Henry Ruggs attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, where he played football from his freshman year through his senior season in 2016–17.[11] As a wide receiver for the Generals, Ruggs emerged as a standout performer, earning All-State honors. During his junior year in 2015, he recorded 44 receptions for 1,010 yards and 11 touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.[12] In his senior year, despite playing only nine games due to injury, Ruggs amassed 38 receptions for 639 yards and nine receiving touchdowns, while also rushing 36 times for 446 yards and seven rushing scores, accounting for a total of 20 touchdowns on 102 touches.[13] His versatility and speed made him a key player, leading to his recognition as Class 7A Back of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Beyond football, Ruggs excelled in track and field, showcasing his elite speed. As a senior, he won the Class 7A state championship in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.58 seconds, setting a meet record. He also competed in basketball, further highlighting his multi-sport athleticism. Ruggs was a highly sought-after recruit, rated as a five-star prospect by ESPN and ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver nationally in the class of 2017.[14] He received offers from top programs including Auburn, LSU, and Clemson before committing to the University of Alabama on National Signing Day, February 1, 2017.[15]College career
University of Alabama
Henry Ruggs III enrolled at the University of Alabama as a highly touted recruit from Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, where his speed and playmaking ability earned him a spot in the Crimson Tide's 2017 signing class. As a true freshman in 2017, Ruggs saw limited action behind established starters like Calvin Ridley and Damien Harris in Alabama's offense, appearing in all 14 games primarily as a rotational wide receiver and special teams contributor. He recorded 12 receptions for 229 yards and six touchdowns, with his scores coming on explosive plays that showcased his deep-threat potential, including a 60-yard touchdown against Tennessee. Despite his modest statistical output, Ruggs played a supporting role in Alabama's undefeated regular season and their national championship victory over Georgia in the College Football Playoff, where the Crimson Tide rallied from a 13-0 deficit to win 26-23 in overtime.[16][13][17] In his sophomore season of 2018, Ruggs emerged as a more prominent piece of Alabama's passing attack under head coach Nick Saban, starting in multiple games and forming part of a dynamic receiving corps alongside Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith. He finished the year with 46 receptions for 741 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns, averaging 16.1 yards per catch, and his big-play ability was evident in key moments like a 54-yard touchdown against Louisiana. Ruggs' development into a reliable outside receiver contributed to Alabama's SEC Championship win and their appearance in the national title game, though they fell short against Clemson.[16][13][18] Ruggs broke out as a junior in 2019, serving as a primary target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Alabama's high-powered, pass-oriented offense coordinated by Mike Locksley. He posted 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns over 12 games, leading the team with an 18.7 yards-per-catch average and highlighting his speed with an 81-yard touchdown reception against South Carolina. His consistent production, including multiple games with over 100 receiving yards, solidified his status as one of the SEC's top deep threats, though Alabama's season ended without a conference or national title after losses to LSU and in the College Football Playoff semifinal against the same opponent. Following the campaign, Ruggs declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.[16][13][11] Throughout his three seasons, Ruggs was renowned for his elite speed, which he demonstrated with a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine—the fourth-fastest time among wide receivers since 2006—allowing him to stretch defenses in Alabama's explosive passing scheme that emphasized vertical threats and play-action under Saban's direction. His 17.5 career yards-per-catch average ranked sixth in program history (minimum 50 receptions), and he tallied 24 touchdown receptions, fourth all-time at Alabama, underscoring his growth from a raw freshman to a polished professional prospect.[19][13][16]College statistics
Ruggs amassed 98 receptions for 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns over his three seasons as a wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide.[16][13] His yearly receiving statistics are detailed below:| Year | School | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Alabama | FR | WR | 14 | 12 | 229 | 19.1 | 6 |
| 2018 | Alabama | SO | WR | 15 | 46 | 741 | 16.1 | 11 |
| 2019 | Alabama | JR | WR | 12 | 40 | 746 | 18.7 | 7 |
| Career | Alabama | 41 | 98 | 1716 | 17.5 | 24 |
Professional career
2020 NFL Draft
Henry Ruggs III entered the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the top wide receiver prospects, highlighted by his exceptional speed and college production at Alabama. At the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2020, he measured 6 feet tall and 188 pounds, and recorded a 4.27-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time among wide receivers and among the quickest ever at the event.[2][19] His elite athleticism, combined with 24 touchdown receptions over three seasons at Alabama, positioned him as a projected top-15 pick, often mocked in the late first round due to his potential as a deep-threat specialist.[22] Ruggs' draft stock drew frequent comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, emphasizing his world-class speed and ability to stretch defenses vertically, though Ruggs was viewed as more polished in route-running coming out of college.[23][24] Analysts projected him as a first-round talent capable of immediate impact in a speed-based offensive role, bolstered by his 1,716 career receiving yards and big-play ability. The 2020 NFL Draft took place April 23–25 in Las Vegas, with Ruggs selected by the Raiders in the first round, 12th overall, on April 23. As the first wide receiver chosen in the draft, he was seen as a key addition to complement the Raiders' existing receiving corps with his explosive downfield presence.[25] On July 21, 2020, Ruggs signed a four-year rookie contract with the Raiders worth $16.67 million, fully guaranteed at $16.67 million, including a $9.68 million signing bonus.[26][27] The deal included a fifth-year team option, aligning with standard rookie scale for his draft position and reflecting the high value placed on his speed and upside.[28]Las Vegas Raiders tenure
Ruggs joined the Las Vegas Raiders as a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, immediately contributing as a speedy wide receiver in the team's passing attack led by quarterback Derek Carr. In his rookie season, he appeared in 13 games with 12 starts, recording 26 receptions for 452 yards and 2 touchdowns. His debut against the Carolina Panthers on September 13, 2020, featured 4 catches that helped the Raiders secure a 34-30 victory. The Raiders finished the 2020 regular season with an 8-8 record, earning a wild card playoff berth.[2] As a deep-threat option, Ruggs leveraged his 4.27-second 40-yard dash speed to stretch defenses, often lining up alongside veteran wide receiver Nelson Agholor and fellow rookie Bryan Edwards in a competitive receiving group that included tight end Darren Waller. This role emphasized vertical routes to create space for underneath targets, though his opportunities were sometimes limited by the crowded wideout room and Carr's distribution to multiple options. Despite flashes of big-play potential, such as a 72-yard touchdown reception against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ruggs' integration reflected the Raiders' emphasis on balanced offensive threats.[29] Entering his second year, Ruggs aimed to expand his role but faced challenges with injuries and performance variability amid an evolving offense. In 7 games with 7 starts before his release, he tallied 24 receptions for 469 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing glimpses of explosiveness but struggling for consistent targets in a deeper rotation that featured Hunter Renfrow's emergence. The Raiders improved to a 10-7 record in 2021, yet missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker with the Los Angeles Chargers, underscoring a season of near-misses despite Ruggs' athletic contributions to the passing game.[2]Release and suspension
Following the fatal car crash on November 2, 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders released wide receiver Henry Ruggs III the following day, effectively terminating his employment with the team.[31] The Raiders issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident and extending condolences to the victim's family, emphasizing that the decision was made in light of the serious allegations against Ruggs.[32] This action voided the remaining portion of his four-year rookie contract, originally worth $16.67 million and fully guaranteed at signing, resulting in Ruggs forfeiting approximately $9.47 million in future payments.[33] No NFL team has signed Ruggs since his release, citing the severity of the ongoing legal proceedings and associated risks.[34] In addition to the team-level repercussions, the NFL imposed further disciplinary measures. On February 15, 2022, Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Ruggs indefinitely under the league's personal conduct policy, barring him from all football-related activities until reinstatement is granted.[35] This suspension, which remains active as of November 2025, reflects the NFL's enforcement of standards prohibiting conduct that undermines the league's integrity and public trust. As of November 2025, no application for reinstatement has been filed. In June 2025, Ruggs was granted a special one-day release from prison to speak at a rehabilitation event, where he publicly apologized, but this does not affect his suspension status.[36][37] The policy allows for potential reduction or lifting of the ban upon demonstration of rehabilitation, though Ruggs' eligibility depends on completing his legal obligations.[38] The release and suspension sparked broader conversations within the NFL about player accountability and the dangers of impaired driving at excessive speeds. High-profile figures, including former players and league executives, highlighted the need for stricter education and monitoring to prevent such tragedies, underscoring how athletic success can amplify risks associated with poor decision-making off the field.[39] These discussions emphasized the league's commitment to promoting responsible behavior, with Ruggs' case serving as a stark example of the personal and professional consequences of violating conduct expectations.[40]NFL career statistics
Henry Ruggs III appeared in 20 regular-season games over two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, starting 19 of them, before his career was abruptly halted. As a wide receiver, he recorded 50 receptions for 921 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 18.4 yards per catch, which underscored his role as a speed-based deep threat.[2] The following table summarizes his receiving statistics:| Year | Team | Games (GS) | Receptions | Yards | Average | Longest | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | LVR | 13 (12) | 26 | 452 | 17.4 | 72 | 2 |
| 2021 | LVR | 7 (7) | 24 | 469 | 19.5 | 61 | 2 |
| Career | 20 (19) | 50 | 921 | 18.4 | 72 | 4 |