Henry Ruggs III is a former American football player who played as a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL) for two seasons. Ruggs was released from the Raiders in his second season after causing a fatal car accident in which a 23-year-old woman and her dog were killed. During his time in football, he was a key player in Alabama’s national championship run in 2017, being named to the SEC All-Freshman team, and being drafted 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft. Get all of the latest Henry Ruggs news here!
Henry Ruggs was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama, and attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery. During his high school career, Ruggs was a standout athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track and field. He was considered one of the top high school football prospects in the country, earning a five-star rating from recruiting services such as ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports.
After graduating from high school, Ruggs committed to play college football at the University of Alabama. He had a successful college career, playing for the Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2019. During his time at Alabama, Ruggs was a key player in their national championship run in 2017 and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. He finished his college career with 98 receptions for 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 12th overall pick. He made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in a game against the Carolina Panthers. In his rookie season, Ruggs caught 26 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns.
Ruggs was released from the Raiders on November 2, 2021, after being charged with driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless driving. He pleaded guilty to one count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in May 2023 and is expected to serve a sentence of three to 10 years in a Nevada state prison. The incident drew a variety of responses from football players and coaches.
During his career, Ruggs was known for his exceptional speed and agility, and his ability to stretch the field as a deep threat receiver. He is also a skilled kick returner, having returned six kicks for 118 yards during his rookie season.
