Henry Ruggs says he would "love" to play again amid prison release program

Henry Ruggs III, former NFL wide receiver opened up for the first time on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas.

According to USA Today, after receiving a special release from prison, Ruggs expressed his desire to return to the NFL to play again for his team. He said:

“Yes, I would love to. I'm in this newfound spiritual space, and I’m confident in who I am and what I can do, so, when the time comes, I’m sure I’ll be ready.”

The 26-year-old was arrested following a fatal car crash on November 2, 2021, in Las Vegas that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor along with her dog, Max. Reportedly, Ruggs was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison in August 2023, with the possibility of parole in August 2026.

While getting candid with the questioners at the Hope for Prisoners, he spoke for at least an hour where he shared inspiring words with former and current inmates. He further apologized to the family of the 23-year-old car crash victim in the 2021 incident. Read on to know what he said.

What did Henry Ruggs III say to the family of 2021 car crash victim?

Henry Ruggs III publicly apologized to the family of Tina Tintor, who died in the 2021 DUI car crash that also claimed the life of her dog, Max. He spoke at a Hope For Prisoners event while on special release from prison. According to a report in the CBS Sports as featured by MSN, he said:

"I wish I could turn back the hands of time. I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something.”

He continued:

“I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact that... my face is always in the news. My face is always in the newspaper. So they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, and be reminded of me and see — those memories have to continue to rise because of all of the fanbase and notoriety that I have, which I never even asked for, I never liked.”

Henry Ruggs III concluded his apology by saying:

"I would just tell them that I deeply apologize for just being a part of that and I wish that they could meet the real Henry Ruggs and not one who was just running away from everything."

On November 2, 2021, Ruggs, who was intoxicated and was driving at speeds of up to 156 mph in Las Vegas, slammed into the rear of Tina Tintor’s Toyota RAV-4, which led to their death. He was driving a Chevrolet Corvette. He and his girlfriend Kiara Kilgo-Washington, who goes by Rudy Washington, suffered non-threatening life injuries.

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Following the incident, he pleaded guilty to the felony, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. According to Fox Sports, his blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.161. This was twice the limit that is permitted legally in the state of Nevada.

The former NFL player attended the University of Alabama, and was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. During his first two NFL seasons, he tallied four touchdowns and 50 catches for 921 yards, and added 65 rushing yards on 12 carries.

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