It is being widely reported on Thursday, May 1, 2025, that Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs stated in a recent interview that former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is training while incarcerated and hopes for a second chance in the NFL.
Here’s a breakdown of what Jacobs said and Ruggs’ current situation:
* Jacobs’ Comments: In an interview on “The Pivot Podcast,” Jacobs, who was a teammate of Ruggs at Alabama and with the Raiders, revealed that he remains in contact with Ruggs. He said that Ruggs is staying positive and is allowed to train while serving his prison sentence. Jacobs also mentioned that he has spoken to some people who indicated that a few teams might be willing to give Ruggs another opportunity in the NFL upon his release. Jacobs hopes that if Ruggs gets a second chance, he will prove that one mistake doesn’t define him.
* Henry Ruggs III’s Incarceration: Ruggs is currently serving a sentence of 3 to 10 years at the Casa Grande Transitional Housing facility in Las Vegas. This follows his guilty plea in May 2023 to one count of driving under the influence resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in connection to a fatal high-speed car crash in November 2021 that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor.
* Parole Eligibility: According to the Nevada Department of Corrections records, Ruggs’ earliest eligibility for parole is August 5, 2026.
* NFL Career: Henry Ruggs III was a highly touted prospect, drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In his two seasons with the Raiders, he recorded 50 receptions for 921 yards and four touchdowns before his career was abruptly halted by the tragic incident. The Raiders released him immediately after his arrest.
While Josh Jacobs is optimistic about Ruggs potentially getting another chance in the NFL, the decision will ultimately depend on NFL teams being willing to take on the significant public relations risk associated with signing a player with Ruggs’ history. His earliest potential return to the league would be after his earliest parole date in 2026.
