Former NFL receiver Henry Ruggs III has filed a request for parole. The former first-round pick is serving up to ten years for drunk driving resulting in death.

Former NFL receiver Henry Ruggs III has filed a request for parole with the Nevada Parole Board.

Ruggs has been in prison since 2021 after pleading guilty to driving under the influence when he caused a fatal collision.

In November 2021, Ruggs crashed into Tina Tintor’s car at over 200 km/h, killing her. Alcohol was detected in his blood at the time.

Last Monday, he appeared before the Nevada Parole Board to plead for early release.

Henry Ruggs transferred to higher security level

Before the parole board, he said: “Not a minute goes by that I don’t think about the pain I’ve caused her family, her friends, and the Las Vegas community.”

He continued: “I am a man of faith and pray daily for her family.” The earliest possible date for a parole hearing would be August 5, 2026.

In addition, Ruggs was transferred last year from a minimum-security facility to a medium-security prison due to rule violations.

Henry Ruggs III back in the NFL?

It is not known whether or how this might affect his chances of parole. Previously, Ruggs had already worked outside the facility for the Nevada governor’s residence.

Ruggs was selected as the first wide receiver by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 draft and played a total of 20 games for the franchise. He was immediately released on the day of the accident.

In June 2025, the former star player made it clear that he would like to return to football. Should he be released from custody, it will be up to the NFL to decide whether he receives permission to sign with a team.

If he is granted permission, it will be up to the teams to decide whether to bring him back onto the field after such a long hiatus.