Henry Ruggs: What Happened to Him, How Many Years Did He Get & His 40-Yard Dash Time
Henry Ruggs III was once one of the most explosive wide receiver prospects in American football. Known for his blazing speed and big-play ability, he was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft and seemed poised for stardom. But a tragic night in Las Vegas changed everything — ending his NFL career and leading to a prison sentence that could keep him behind bars for years. This article details what happened to Henry Ruggs, how many years he was sentenced to, and his famous 40-yard dash time that once made him one of the most talked-about athletes in the sport.
Early Life and College Success
Henry James Ruggs III grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where his elite athletic talent quickly became evident. After a standout high school career, he accepted a scholarship to the University of Alabama — one of the most successful college football programs in the United States.
At Alabama, Ruggs developed into one of the most dangerous threats on the field thanks to his speed and playmaking abilities. He consistently posted strong receiving numbers and was especially respected for stretching defenses and scoring deep touchdowns. Ruggs declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year and entered the 2020 draft with high expectations.
Blazing Speed — 4.27 40-Yard Dash Time
One of the most defining features of Ruggs’ draft profile was his elite speed. At the NFL Combine, Ruggs ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash, which was:
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The fastest time among wide receivers at the 2020 Combine.
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One of the top 40 times ever recorded at the Combine since electronic timing began.
This explosive time alerted NFL scouts and teams that he possessed rare straight-line speed — a coveted trait for a deep-threat receiver. Ruggs’ ability to hit top speed quickly made him a dangerous weapon on deep passes and added immense value to his draft stock.
NFL Draft and Early Career
After his impressive showing at the Combine, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Ruggs in the first round (12th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. Expectations were sky-high for the Alabama product. In his rookie season, Ruggs showed flashes of playmaking ability, using his speed to create separation and deliver impact plays downfield.
But despite his promising start, Ruggs’ NFL career would be tragically short-lived due to events that transpired during his second season.
The Tragic 2021 DUI Crash — What Happened
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in one of the most devastating incidents in NFL history.
Early in the morning, authorities said Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette at extremely high speed — reportedly up to 156 mph — while under the influence of alcohol, well above the legal blood-alcohol limit in Nevada.
As he approached a residential area west of the Las Vegas Strip, Ruggs’ car rear-ended another vehicle driven by 23-year-old Tina Tintor, causing her SUV to burst into flames. Tragically, Tintor and her dog were both killed in the crash. Ruggs and his girlfriend (who was in the car with him) survived but suffered injuries.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
After the crash, Ruggs faced serious legal consequences:
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Felony DUI resulting in death
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Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter
Initially, prosecutors could have pursued multiple charges that might have carried much longer prison terms. But after negotiations, Ruggs pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter as part of a plea agreement in May 2023.
Because of this deal, some of the more severe charges were dropped, and the focus shifted to a negotiated sentencing that both sides could accept without a long trial.
How Many Years Did Henry Ruggs Get?
In August 2023, a Nevada judge sentenced Henry Ruggs to a prison term of between 3 and 10 years.
Here’s what that means:
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The minimum sentence is 3 years, which he must serve before any possibility of parole.
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The maximum is 10 years, meaning he could remain in prison longer if he does not receive parole or serves out the full term.
Ruggs is eligible for parole as early as August 2026 based on time served, behavior, and Nevada parole guidelines.
Where Is Henry Ruggs Now?
As of late 2025, Ruggs is serving his sentence in a Nevada state prison. During his time incarcerated, he has participated in work programs and reportedly worked as a trustee, including tasks at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion, where earnings were modest.
He has also been temporarily granted special releases, such as attending community events where he expressed remorse for the crash and the lives affected.
The Impact on His NFL Career
The DUI incident did more than cost Ruggs his freedom — it ended his NFL career.
The Raiders released him immediately after the crash. Colt teams and the league faced widespread public scrutiny over the crash’s severity and tragic loss of life. Even if Ruggs eventually leaves prison, returning to the NFL remains uncertain due to legal, ethical and public relations challenges.
Some former teammates have spoken about Ruggs’ efforts to stay physically prepared during his incarceration, and there have been speculative discussions about a potential comeback. But the long absence from competitive football and the shadow of the crash make any return a complex topic.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
Ruggs’ story is a cautionary tale about the consequences of dangerous choices off the field. Once considered one of the NFL’s most promising young wide receivers, his life was derailed by a single decision — driving at excessive speed while impaired — with irreversible consequences.
The tragedy reminds athletes and fans alike that talent and success on the field cannot shield one from the serious repercussions of harmful behaviour, especially when it results in loss of life.
FAQs – Henry Ruggs
1. What happened to Henry Ruggs?
Henry Ruggs was involved in a fatal DUI crash in Las Vegas on November 2, 2021, where he was driving at extremely high speed and under the influence of alcohol. The crash killed the other driver, Tina Tintor, and her dog. He was charged, pled guilty in 2023, and is serving a 3-to-10-year prison sentence.
2. How many years did Henry Ruggs get in prison?
Ruggs was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in a Nevada state prison. He is eligible for parole as early as August 2026.
3. What was Henry Ruggs’ 40-yard dash time?
At the 2020 NFL Combine, Henry Ruggs ran an official 4.27-second 40-yard dash, one of the fastest times recorded at the event and the fastest among wide receivers that year.
4. Is Henry Ruggs still in prison?
Yes. As of late 2025, Ruggs remains incarcerated in Nevada as he serves his sentence, though he has been eligible for parole since August 2026.
5. Can Henry Ruggs return to the NFL?
While some former teammates have mentioned Ruggs’ efforts to stay in shape, the possibility of returning to the NFL is uncertain and depends on legal, league, and team decisions, as well as public perception and behaviour after release.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ rise and fall represent one of the most dramatic narratives in recent NFL history — from elite 4.27-second 40-yard dash speed and first-round draft success to a tragic DUI crash that ended his career and led to incarceration. His sentence of 3 to 10 years illustrates the serious legal consequences of impaired and reckless driving. The story stands as a reminder of responsibility off the field and the real-world consequences that actions can have on individuals and families alike.
