Henry Ruggs III was once considered one of the most promising young stars in the NFL. Known for his blazing speed and dynamic playmaking ability, Ruggs quickly became a standout wide receiver after being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. However, his career and life took a tragic turn in 2021 following a fatal car accident, drastically changing his trajectory both on and off the field. In this article, we will explore Henry Ruggs Net Worth, his career earnings, early life, college accomplishments, NFL achievements, and the events that shaped his financial and professional legacy.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Henry Ruggs III
Date Of Birth: January 24, 1999
Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama
High School: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School
College: University of Alabama
NFL Draft: 2020, 1st Round, 12th Overall Pick
NFL Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6 Feet 0 Inches
Weight: 188 Pounds
Career Earnings: Approximately $11 Million
Net Worth: $4 Million
Rookie Contract: Four-Year, $16.67 Million
Signing Bonus: $10 Million
Career Stats: 70 Receptions, 1,155 Yards, 6 Touchdowns
College Honors: Consensus All-American, SEC Offensive Player Of The Year
Legal Issues: DUI Resulting In Death, Manslaughter
Prison Sentence: 3–10 Years
Who Is Henry Ruggs?
Henry Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up showing remarkable athletic talent, excelling not only in football but also in basketball and track. Ruggs became a standout athlete at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, where he earned recognition as one of the top high school football prospects in the nation. His combination of speed, agility, and competitive drive made him a highly sought-after recruit for college programs across the United States.
Ruggs committed to the University of Alabama, one of the most prestigious football programs in college sports, where he would further develop his skills and establish himself as a top-tier receiver.
Early Life And Family
Growing up in Montgomery, Henry Ruggs was surrounded by a supportive family that encouraged his athletic pursuits. From a young age, Ruggs demonstrated exceptional speed, which later became a defining trait of his football career. At Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, he earned accolades not only in football but also as a sprinter on the track team and a versatile basketball player. His natural athleticism and dedication allowed him to dominate multiple sports, a rare feat for someone his age.
His early years laid the foundation for his path to Alabama and eventually to the NFL. The combination of supportive mentors, disciplined training, and innate talent positioned him as a rising star in the football world.
College Career At Alabama
Henry Ruggs’ college career at the University of Alabama was nothing short of spectacular. Playing for the Crimson Tide, he became known for his speed, reliable hands, and ability to make explosive plays.
In 2017, his freshman season, Ruggs caught 12 passes for 229 yards and six touchdowns, showing flashes of the athlete he would become. The following year, he elevated his game, recording 46 catches for 741 yards and 11 touchdowns. By his junior year in 2019, Ruggs had truly made his mark, catching 40 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns, while also returning 17 punts for 264 yards and one touchdown.
His standout performance earned him recognition as a consensus All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Ruggs’ college success made him a top prospect for the NFL Draft, with analysts praising his speed, route-running, and playmaking potential.
Entering The NFL
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Henry Ruggs was selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, a testament to his impressive college career and potential to impact the professional level. His arrival in the NFL generated excitement among fans who anticipated that he would become one of the league’s most explosive receivers.
Ruggs made an immediate impression during his rookie season, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and create scoring opportunities. He finished the 2020 season with 46 receptions for 703 yards and four touchdowns, alongside 11 punt returns for 159 yards. These statistics highlighted his versatility and confirmed that he could contribute in multiple facets of the game.
NFL Career Highlights And Earnings
Ruggs’ early career showed promise, but it was also during this period that he signed significant contracts that would shape his net worth. In July 2020, he inked a four-year, $16.67 million deal with the Raiders, including a $10 million signing bonus. Following his release in 2021 after the tragic crash, approximately $6 million of that signing bonus was reclaimed, leaving Ruggs with an estimated $4.73 million in career earnings.
In 2021, Ruggs earned a $607,000 base salary plus a $2.4 million signing bonus. For 2022, he was expected to earn $4.8 million, though the contract was voided due to his release. Over the course of his NFL career, Ruggs’ total earnings were roughly $11 million, though taxes, agent fees, and legal expenses significantly reduced his net financial gain.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Henry Ruggs Net Worth is estimated at $4 million. While Ruggs earned millions through his NFL contracts and bonuses, the impact of his legal issues and early termination of his career have greatly influenced his financial standing.
Despite his wealth being substantial for someone in their twenties, Ruggs’ net worth does not reflect the full potential of his career earnings, which would have likely increased significantly had he continued playing. The combination of his rookie contracts, signing bonuses, and endorsements (if any) contributed to this figure, giving a clear snapshot of his financial achievements prior to the tragic events that ended his career.
The 2021 Car Crash
Tragically, Henry Ruggs’ career and life were altered on November 2, 2021. Ruggs was involved in a high-speed car crash while driving his Corvette at over 150 mph. The accident resulted in the death of Tina Tintor and her dog Max, both of whom were in a car stopped at a red light.
Ruggs was immediately arrested and charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving. The Las Vegas Raiders released him on the same day, ending his NFL career. The incident shocked the sports world and drew attention to the serious consequences of reckless behavior off the field.
Legal Issues And Prison Sentence
Following the crash, Henry Ruggs faced significant legal consequences. In February 2023, he pleaded guilty to a felony count of DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor manslaughter. On August 9, 2023, he was sentenced to 3–10 years in prison, effectively preventing any return to professional football.
These legal proceedings have not only impacted Ruggs’ personal life but also significantly affected his finances, as legal fees and the forfeiture of contract earnings reduced his net worth.
Comparing Henry Ruggs Net Worth To Other NFL Players
When comparing Ruggs’ net worth to other NFL players, it is clear that his early career earnings were impressive but not among the top earners. Other young receivers drafted around the same time, such as Lee Evans, Marcus Mariota, and Darrius Heyward-Bey, achieved varying levels of financial success depending on contract size, endorsements, and career longevity. Ruggs’ trajectory suggested he could have joined the ranks of higher earners, but his career was tragically cut short.
Lessons From Henry Ruggs’ Career And Finances
Henry Ruggs’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of personal responsibility, financial planning, and career management. Despite earning millions, the loss of potential future income and legal repercussions demonstrate how quickly circumstances can change. For young athletes and fans, his journey highlights the value of prudent decision-making both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ journey is a mix of athletic brilliance, early career success, and unfortunate tragedy. With a net worth of $4 million as of 2026, Ruggs achieved remarkable financial milestones for a player in his early twenties. Yet, his story also highlights how quickly circumstances can shift and the lasting impact of decisions off the field. From Montgomery to Alabama and into the NFL, Ruggs’ talent was undeniable, but the events of 2021 serve as a somber reminder of responsibility, accountability, and the fragility of a professional sports career.
FAQs About Henry Ruggs Net Worth
How much is Henry Ruggs worth in 2026?
Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated at $4 million. This includes his NFL earnings and signing bonuses, minus taxes, agent fees, and expenses related to legal issues.
How much did Henry Ruggs earn in the NFL?
Ruggs earned approximately $11 million over his NFL career, including contracts, bonuses, and game salaries. However, some earnings were clawed back after his release.
What happened in the 2021 car crash?
Ruggs drove at over 150 mph and crashed into a stopped car, killing Tina Tintor and her dog. He was arrested for DUI resulting in death and reckless driving.
Was Henry Ruggs released by the Raiders because of the crash?
Yes. The Las Vegas Raiders released Ruggs on the same day as the accident, ending his NFL career.
What is Henry Ruggs’ college football background?
He played for the University of Alabama, earning accolades like Consensus All-American and SEC Offensive Player Of The Year. He was known for his speed, touchdowns, and punt return skills.
What is Ruggs’ prison sentence?
He pleaded guilty to a felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor manslaughter, and in August 2023, he was sentenced to 3–10 years in prison.
How did Henry Ruggs’ career affect his net worth?
While Ruggs earned significant sums as a young NFL star, his career-ending incident and legal fees reduced his net worth and halted future earnings potential.
How does Ruggs’ net worth compare to other NFL players?
Compared to other first-round wide receivers of his era, Ruggs’ net worth is lower than those with longer, uninterrupted careers. His earnings potential was much higher before the accident.
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