Former Alabama Star Josh Jacobs Reflects on Night Henry Ruggs III Was Involved in Fatal Car Crash

Over three years after former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was arrested for a fatal DUI crash, his former Alabama teammate and close friend Josh Jacobs is finally opening up about the night that changed so many lives.

In a recent appearance on The Pivot podcast, Jacobs shared an emotional and candid reflection on the tragic events that took 23-year-old Tina Tintor’s life, left Ruggs behind bars, and caused everyone involved to grapple with the aftermath.

Josh Jacobs Shares Emotional Reflection on Night of Henry Ruggs III’s Car Crash

Jacobs revealed he was supposed to go out with Ruggs that night but ultimately stayed home because it had gotten too late. He recalls being shocked when his lawyer called the next morning to inform him that Ruggs had been arrested and that he would be representing him.

Josh Jacobs was supposed to go out with Henry Riggs on the night he was arrested. @iAM_JoshJacobs feels Tina Tintor’s death should’ve been avoided, & Henry Ruggs could be free. In his anger Jacobs expressed as much to Rugged’ family!

Jacobs & Ruggs are still close. The two talk… pic.twitter.com/XufCJWWzNy

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) April 30, 2025

The crash happened in November 2021, when Ruggs, driving a Corvette at over 150 mph while under the influence, slammed into Tintor’s vehicle. Ruggs was immediately released by the Raiders and later accepted a plea deal that sent him to prison for 3-10 years, with parole eligibility beginning in 2026.

Jacobs, now with the Green Bay Packers, didn’t hold back his emotions. He admitted that Tintor’s death was preventable and expressed his anger and heartbreak directly to Ruggs’ family.

Despite his pain, Jacobs has continued to maintain a close relationship with both Ruggs and his family. The two former Alabama stars talk regularly, and Jacobs keeps in touch with Ruggs’ loved ones to make sure they’re OK.

Jacobs still sees a path forward for Ruggs, though it won’t be easy.

Jacobs has even gone as far as to begin campaigning quietly for Ruggs’ eventual return to the NFL once he’s released. Whether or not the league is open to that remains to be seen, but Jacobs stands firm in his support without dismissing the seriousness of what happened.

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Jacobs and Ruggs share a history few others can understand. From winning a national championship at Alabama to being drafted by the Raiders in back-to-back years, their careers were once moving in sync. The tragedy of that November night changed the trajectory of their lives, but their bond remains unbroken.

It’s a complex, emotional story of loss, accountability, and lingering hope, one that Jacobs is no longer afraid to tell.

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