Is Henry Ruggs III the biggest ‘what if’ talent in NFL history? Raiders fans have their say

Chicago Bears v Las Vegas Raiders
Henry Ruggs Chicago Bears v Las Vegas Raiders

Henry Ruggs III was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first-round of the 2020 NFL draft with pick number 12. Ruggs was a promising talent as he ran a 4.27 forty-yard dash at the combine, which was the fourth-fastest of all-time.

In 13 games played as a rookie, Ruggs recorded 26 receptions for 452 yards, averaging 17.4 yards per catch while scoring two touchdowns. In addition, he ran the ball nine times for 49 yards. He showed signs of progress in his second season, recording 24 catches for 469 yards (averaging 19.5 yards per catch) and two touchdowns in seven games.

However, on November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a fatal car accident that took 23-year-old Tina Tintor's life. He crashed into her car at 120 miles per hour as he tried to panic-stop after going 156 miles per hour in his Chevrolet Corvette. Ruggs was released by the Raiders shortly after details were released.

Pro Football Focus asked what the biggest what-if story in NFL history is, and many Raiders fans voiced their opinions:

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Henry Ruggs III update: Where is the former Raiders WR now?

Former Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III Ordered to Appear In Court Following Fatal DUI Crash
Former Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III Ordered to Appear In Court Following Fatal DUI Crash

Upon being released from the hospital, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department booked Henry Ruggs III. He posted bail and is currently being monitored by an ankle bracelet.

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Ruggs is being charged with DUI resulting in death or causing substantial harm and was charged with two counts of reckless driving.

He could face up to 26 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. This includes 2–20 years for the fatal DUI crash, 1–6 years for reckless driving causing death, and up to $5,000 in fines for each charge.

It is extremely unlikely Ruggs will ever play football again regardless of the outcome of his trials.

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