The Big Lead

Josh Jacobs gets emotional discussing former Alabama teammate Henry Ruggs

Jacobs and Ruggs were connected from their time in the SEC, and the Green Bay Packers star was devastated when he learned of the tragedy that happened in Las Vegas.

By Matt Reed

Sep 1, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates with tight end Hale Hentges (84) and wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) after scoring a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
Sep 1, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates with tight end Hale Hentges (84) and wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) after scoring a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images
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NFL running back Josh Jacobs has become one of the faces of his position alongside stars like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, but one of Jacobs' former college teammates also could've been just as successful in the league had it not been for one night that changed many peoples' lives forever.

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Henry Ruggs pleaded guilty to felony DUI resulting in death in 2023 after killing a woman - Tina Tintor - two years prior while going over 150 miles per hour and having a blood alcohol of over two times the legal limit.

The evening could've been very different had Jacobs gone along with Ruggs, whom he was supposed to meet up with at TopGolf before the accident occurred later on in the night.

Jacobs went on Ryan Clark's The Pivot Podcast to discuss his relationship with Ruggs' family and how that fateful night affected him. Ruggs is eligible to be released on parole in 2026, but after five years away from the NFL his life looks completely different from what it could have been.

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