Henry Ruggs wants NFL comeback after prison but fans aren’t ready to forgive and forget

Henry Ruggs III, the former Raiders first-round pick, is reportedly training in prison and hoping for a second shot at the NFL. His goal? To return to the very team that cut him loose, the Las Vegas Raiders.

But while Ruggs may be putting in the work behind bars, fans online are far from convinced he deserves a comeback. The court of public opinion is in session, and the verdict is looking rough.

Henry Ruggs is training behind bars and eyeing a Raiders reunion

At just 26, Ruggs is serving a sentence of 3 to 10 years for a 2021 DUI crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. Despite the tragedy and prison time, Ruggs is reportedly staying in shape and still dreams of returning to football.

According to reports, he hopes to rejoin the Raiders once he’s eligible for parole, which could come as early as August 2026.

His former teammate Josh Jacobs recently revealed that Ruggs has been training and remains optimistic. In an interview, Jacobs mentioned that Ruggs has been staying in touch and said, “a couple of teams might be willing to give him a chance.”

NFL fans aren’t here for redemption arcs just yet

While Ruggs may have supporters on the inside, fans online have not forgotten the gravity of his actions.

Reddit threads and social media comments are filled with skepticism, anger, and disbelief.One user wrote, “Sure brodie keep dreamin. The day you trot out in a NFL uni is the day I stop watching the league. You're a bum and a murderer you pos” Others question how any team could justify giving him a roster spot after such a public tragedy.

Even though Ruggs has publicly apologized and expressed remorse, most recently during a temporary prison release for a community event, fans aren’t convinced that time served should equal a second chance in pro sports.If Ruggs does make a return in 2026 or beyond, it would be one of the most debated comebacks in NFL history. Cases like Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth have set complicated precedents for athletes returning after serious criminal offenses. But each case is different, and in Ruggs’ situation with a life lost and public trust shattered, the path to redemption is incredibly steep.Also read - “Does anyone care?” NFL fans roast Aaron Rodgers’ marriage drama while his family stays unconvinced