Former Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs earns degree in prison

Henry Ruggs
(Alabama Athletics/Contributed, @TMZSports/Instagram, YHN)

Henry Ruggs has officially graduated college while serving time at Northern Nevada Correctional Center.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide standout wide receiver Henry Ruggs is currently serving a prison sentence of three to 10 years for a fatal 2021 DUI crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, a crime he pled guilty to back in 2023.

Though it was a tragic situation that ended a young life, Ruggs has been using his time incarcerated in a positive way.

Ruggs has completed his degree at The University of Alabama and graduated with honors. He was named to the President’s List with a 4.0 GPA — all while serving his sentence.

Viewers of UA’s commencement ceremony noticed Ruggs’ name in the program, and Jordan Schultz later reported that he had in fact completed the degree with a 4.0 GPA.

Ruggs, who was initially facing 50 years in prison before the guilty plea, is eligible for parole in August of 2026.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.