Henry Ruggs III — former Las Vegas Raiders WR, born Jan 24, 1999. Learn about his NFL career, fatal DUI crash, prison sentence, and 2026 parole denial.
Henry Ruggs III was once considered one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the NFL. Born with blazing speed, the Montgomery, Alabama native was drafted 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 and immediately drew comparisons to the fastest players in league history. His 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine was a moment that had scouts and fans convinced they were watching a future star.
But Ruggs’ promising career came to a devastating and tragic end on November 2, 2021, when a drunk driving crash he caused killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. He was convicted in 2023 and is currently serving a 3–10 year prison sentence in Nevada. On June 11, 2026, Ruggs was denied parole, a development that closed the door on his earliest possible release.
Quick Facts About Henry Ruggs III
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry James Ruggs III |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1999 |
| Age | 27 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
| Profession | Former NFL Wide Receiver |
| College | University of Alabama |
| NFL Draft | 2020, 1st Round, 12th Overall Pick |
| Team | Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021) |
| Career Stats | 50 receptions, 921 yards, 4 touchdowns |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–4 million (post-conviction) |
| Daughter | Kenzli Re’Nai (born May 7, 2020) |
| Current Status | Incarcerated, Stewart Conservation Camp, Nevada |
Early Life and Family
Henry Ruggs III was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, to Henry Ruggs Jr. and Nataki Ruggs. He grew up in a close-knit family and credits his upbringing in Alabama as foundational to his competitive drive. His younger brother, Kevontae Ruggs, also pursued football and played college ball at Ole Miss before transferring to East Mississippi Community College.
What makes Ruggs’ football origin story unusual is how late he started. He did not begin playing high school football until his junior year at Robert E. Lee High School — yet after just his second game, he already had scholarship offers rolling in. Before football, he was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in track and basketball, running a blazing 10.58-second 100-meter dash that set a state record in Alabama.
One of the most personal chapters of Ruggs’ early life involved his close friend Roderic Scott, who died in a car crash at just 17 years old. Ruggs honored Scott after every touchdown with a three-fingered salute, a tribute to Scott’s basketball jersey number. It is a detail that adds layers of irony to the tragedy that would later define Ruggs’ own story.
College Career at the University of Alabama
Ruggs enrolled at the University of Alabama in 2017 and wasted no time making an impact. As a true freshman, he racked up 12 receptions for 229 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Crimson Tide claim the College Football Playoff National Championship that season. He was electric from the jump, earning the trust of head coach Nick Saban almost immediately.
His sophomore year in 2018 was even more productive — 46 receptions, 741 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He followed that up in 2019 with 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns, while also contributing as a kick returner. With 24 career receiving touchdowns, he left Alabama ranked third all-time in program history. He declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after his junior year, skipping his senior season to turn professional.
NFL Draft and Las Vegas Raiders Career
At the 2020 NFL Combine, Ruggs posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of any player — a stunning 4.27 seconds — along with a 42-inch vertical leap. He became the first wide receiver selected in that draft when the Las Vegas Raiders took him 12th overall. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $16.67 million, including a $9.68 million signing bonus.
His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance. He posted 26 receptions for 452 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72-yard touchdown grab that showcased just how dangerous he was with the ball in his hands. Injuries and COVID-19 protocols limited his playing time during his second season in 2021, but Ruggs was still considered a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offense before the crash ended everything.
Across 20 games with the Raiders, he caught 50 passes for 921 yards and four touchdowns. The numbers were modest, but the ceiling everyone saw in him made the tragedy feel all the more profound.
The Fatal DUI Crash and Legal Aftermath
In the early hours of November 2, 2021, Henry Ruggs III drove his Chevrolet Corvette at speeds of up to 156 mph in a Las Vegas suburb while heavily intoxicated. He rear-ended a Toyota RAV4 driven by Tina Tintor, 23, causing it to burst into flames. Tintor and her golden retriever, Max, both died at the scene from thermal injuries, according to the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
Ruggs’ blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.161% — more than twice Nevada’s legal limit of 0.08%. He and his girlfriend, Kiara Kilgo-Washington, who was in the passenger seat, were both injured and hospitalized. The Las Vegas Raiders released Ruggs the same day he was charged.
In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to one count of felony DUI causing death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. In August 2023, a judge sentenced him to a prison term of three to ten years. He is currently serving that sentence at the Stewart Conservation Camp in Nevada.
Parole Denial and Current Status (2026)
Ruggs became eligible for his first parole hearing in mid-2026, with an earliest possible release date of August 5, 2026. He appeared before the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners in May 2026, where he reportedly took full responsibility for Tintor’s death and stated he thinks about her every day.
Despite those expressions of remorse, the board denied his parole request on June 11, 2026. Under the ruling, Ruggs will not be eligible for parole again until August 24, 2027. He will meet with the board approximately three months before that date.
Former Raiders and Alabama teammate Josh Jacobs, now with the Green Bay Packers, has spoken publicly about staying in touch with Ruggs. Jacobs noted that Ruggs remains positive, continues to train while incarcerated, and hopes to return to the NFL one day.
Education Behind Bars
In a quietly remarkable development, Ruggs earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama while serving his prison sentence. He was listed in the university’s fall 2025 commencement ceremony and reportedly finished the semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
His mother, Nataki Ruggs, expressed immense pride in the achievement while also extending condolences to Tintor’s family. The degree represents a meaningful step in Ruggs’ personal rehabilitation, even as he continues to serve time for the crime that cut his NFL career short.
Net Worth
At the height of his career, Ruggs’ net worth was estimated at around $5 million, largely from his $9.68 million signing bonus, NFL salary, and an Adidas sponsorship deal. Following his arrest and conviction, the Raiders voided his contract, endorsements were terminated, and significant legal fees consumed a portion of his assets.
His estimated net worth as of 2026 is believed to be in the range of $2–4 million, depending on the source. The bulk of his remaining wealth likely comes from assets acquired before his 2021 arrest.
Wrapping Up
Henry Ruggs III’s story is one of extraordinary athletic talent undone by a devastating and fatal choice. He was among the most gifted wide receivers of his generation — a player who ran routes at a different speed than almost anyone in NFL history. That promise was extinguished the moment he got behind the wheel drunk and drove at reckless speeds.
The legacy of November 2, 2021 will follow Ruggs for the rest of his life. Tina Tintor, 23, never got the chance to grow older. Her family carries a loss that no apology or prison sentence can fully address. Ruggs’ parole denial in June 2026 ensures he will remain behind bars for at least another year.
Whether Ruggs ever returns to professional football remains deeply uncertain. What is certain is that his story has become one of the most cautionary in the history of the NFL — a reminder of the irreversible consequences of drunk driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Henry Ruggs III?
Henry Ruggs III is a former NFL wide receiver born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was drafted 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 and is best known for his elite speed and for the fatal DUI crash that ended his career in 2021. As of 2026, he is serving a 3–10 year prison sentence in Nevada.
Q2: What happened in the Henry Ruggs crash?
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs drove his Corvette at up to 156 mph while more than twice the legal alcohol limit, crashing into a Toyota RAV4 driven by 23-year-old Tina Tintor. The vehicle caught fire, and Tintor and her dog both died at the scene. Ruggs was arrested, charged, and later pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death.
Q3: Was Henry Ruggs III denied parole?
Yes. On June 11, 2026, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners denied Ruggs’ parole request. He had appeared before the board in May 2026, taking responsibility for Tintor’s death. His next parole eligibility date is August 24, 2027.
Q4: What is Henry Ruggs III’s net worth in 2026?
Ruggs’ estimated net worth is approximately $2–4 million as of 2026. His initial wealth from his NFL signing bonus and salary was significantly reduced after his contract was voided, endorsements ended, and legal costs accumulated following his 2021 arrest and 2023 conviction.
Q5: Where is Henry Ruggs III now?
Ruggs is currently incarcerated at the Stewart Conservation Camp in Nevada, serving a 3–10 year sentence. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama with a 4.0 GPA while in prison and reportedly continues to train with the hope of an NFL return.
Q6: What were Henry Ruggs III’s NFL stats?
In 20 games with the Las Vegas Raiders, Ruggs caught 50 passes for 921 receiving yards and scored 4 touchdowns. He was considered one of the most promising young receivers in the league before his career was ended by the 2021 crash.
Q7: Did Henry Ruggs graduate from college?
Yes. Ruggs earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama during the fall 2025 semester while serving his prison sentence. He finished with a 4.0 GPA, a remarkable academic achievement under difficult circumstances.
