Former WR Henry Ruggs III Training While in Prison, Hopes For Second Chance After DUI Accident That Resulted In Death

by Tobias LinkinMay 13, 2025, 12:31 amNews >

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs still keeps in frequent contact with former NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III. Jacobs revealed that his former college teammate is still training and hopeful for a return to the NFL.

“When you come out, man, I don’t know if you will get a chance,” Jacobs said on The Pivot Podcast. “I’ve been talking to some people for him. They’ve been saying a couple of teams are willing to give him a chance.”

Ruggs, the former 12th overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL draft, is in prison after pleading guilty to one count of driving under the influence resulting in a death and vehicular manslaughter.

Ruggs is eligible for parole on August 5, 2026.

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In his two seasons in the NFL, Ruggs has totaled 921 yards and four touchdowns. His most notable touchdown came as a walk-off hail mary against the New York Jets in his rookie season.

“He’s a good kid,” Jacobs said. “He was just one of them guys that have a very, very unfortunate situation and something happened, a decision that he made.”

If Ruggs returns to the NFL, there are multiple teams in need of a wide receiver who could take a shot on him. He was at one point considered one of the brightest receiver prospects in football.