Juice Scruggs

Frederick Henry "Juice" Scruggs (born January 19, 2000) is an American professional football center for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Early life Scruggs was born on January 19, 2000, in Ashtabula, Ohio. He attended Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pennsylvania, and was a four-time varsity letter winner in football, playing lineman on both sides of the ball. He helped them compile a 49–3 record in his four years with the team, including consecutive 14–0 seasons.

College career Scruggs saw limited action in his first year at Penn State, only appearing on three snaps during their game against Maryland. He was named the joint-winner of the team's Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year award.

In early 2019, he was involved in a car accident that caused him serious injuries, including a concussion and fractured vertebrae. Scruggs had to wear a back brace for eight months and missed the entire season due to his injuries. He eventually recovered and made his return to the field against Maryland in November 2020, close to two years after the crash. Scruggs appeared in a total of seven games on the year, none of which he started.

Scruggs posted his first start in the 2021 season, starting all 13 games and earning honorable mention all-conference from the Big Ten's coaches and media, third-team honors from Pro Football Focus (PFF), and being named the winner of Penn State's Dick Maginnis Memorial Award for best offensive lineman.

Professional career

Houston Texans Scruggs was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2023 NFL draft. He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2023. He was activated on November 25. As a rookie, he appeared in seven games and started six in the 2023 season.

Detroit Lions On March 11, 2026, Scruggs was traded to the Detroit Lions in exchange for David Montgomery alongside a 2026 fourth and a 2027 seventh-round pick.