The story of Henry Ruggs III is one of the most dramatic rises and falls in modern sports history. Once considered one of the fastest and most promising young stars in professional football, Ruggs saw his career collapse after a tragic DUI crash in 2021.
As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at around $4 million, far below what he was projected to earn during his NFL career.
Before his legal troubles, Ruggs had signed a lucrative multi-million-dollar contract and was building a future filled with fame, wealth, and long-term success. However, his imprisonment, legal expenses, and loss of endorsements drastically reduced his fortune.
This article explores Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025, his salary, contracts, early life, college success, NFL career, legal issues, and how his financial life changed forever.
Full Name: Henry James Ruggs III Date of Birth: January 24, 1999 Age (2025): 26 Years Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama, United States Nationality: American Profession: Former Professional Football Player (Wide Receiver) College: University of Alabama NFL Draft: 2020, Round 1 Pick 12 Team: Las Vegas Raiders Contract Value: $16.67 Million (Fully Guaranteed) Signing Bonus: $10.02 Million Estimated Net Worth (2025): $4 Million Legal Status: Serving prison sentence (3–10 years) Girlfriend: Kiara Washington Children: One daughter Career End: November 2021
Henry Ruggs Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs’ estimated net worth is approximately $4 million. While this is still a significant amount for an average person, it represents a dramatic decline from what could have been a much larger fortune had his career continued normally.
Ruggs earned millions early in his career, primarily from his NFL contract, signing bonus, and endorsement deals. However, after the fatal DUI crash in 2021, his contract was voided, and he lost his primary source of income.
Legal expenses, taxes, and settlements significantly reduced his wealth. Today, his remaining net worth mainly comes from earlier savings, partial contract earnings, and limited investments.
His financial story is a powerful example of how quickly fame and wealth can disappear due to poor decisions and legal consequences.
NFL Salary and Contract Details
Henry Ruggs’ financial success began when he was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. His rookie contract was one of the most valuable for a wide receiver in his draft class.
Contract Breakdown
Total Contract Value: $16.67 million (Fully guaranteed)
Signing Bonus: $10.02 million
Average Annual Salary: $4.16 million
Base Salary (2021): $607,000
Had Ruggs completed his contract, he would likely have earned over $11 million after taxes and fees. However, after his DUI arrest, the Raiders terminated his contract under “conduct detrimental to the team” terms. This meant he received only about $4.73 million before termination.
After deducting taxes, agent fees, and legal costs, his retained earnings dropped significantly, leaving him with far less than originally expected.
Early Life of Henry Ruggs
Henry Ruggs III was born in Montgomery, Alabama, where he grew up in a supportive and disciplined family. He attended Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, where he initially focused on basketball before discovering his natural talent for football.
Ruggs quickly became known for his exceptional speed and athleticism. In high school, he recorded impressive sprint times and became one of the fastest players in the country.
During his senior season, he scored 20 touchdowns in just nine games, attracting attention from top college recruiters nationwide.
His upbringing was filled with encouragement from his parents, who pushed him toward both academic and athletic excellence. These early years played a key role in shaping his discipline, determination, and competitive spirit.
College Career at Alabama
Henry Ruggs attended the University of Alabama and played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2019. During this time, he became one of college football’s most explosive wide receivers.
He played alongside future NFL stars and contributed to Alabama’s dominant football program. In 2017, he helped the team win the College Football Playoff National Championship, marking a major milestone in his career.
College Career Stats
Receptions: 98
Receiving Yards: 1,716
Touchdowns: 24
Ruggs’ blazing speed made him a deep-threat weapon, often turning short passes into long touchdowns. His performance and consistency made him a top NFL prospect, ultimately leading to his first-round draft selection.
NFL Career and Rise to Stardom
Henry Ruggs entered the NFL in 2020 with enormous expectations. Drafted 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, he was considered one of the fastest players in the league, recording a 4.27-second 40-yard dash.
Rookie Season (2020)
During his first season, Ruggs showed flashes of brilliance, recording over 450 receiving yards despite injuries. He demonstrated his potential as a deep-threat receiver capable of game-changing plays.
Breakout Season (2021)
In 2021, Ruggs appeared to be developing into a star player. He recorded:
24 receptions
469 receiving yards
2 touchdowns
His chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr was improving, and his role in the Raiders’ offense was growing. However, just as his career was gaining momentum, tragedy struck.
The 2021 Fatal Car Crash
In November 2021, Henry Ruggs was involved in a fatal DUI crash in Las Vegas that changed his life forever. Driving at extremely high speed with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, he crashed into a vehicle driven by Tina Tintor.
The collision caused a fire that tragically killed Tintor and her dog. Ruggs was arrested and charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving, both serious felony charges.
Within hours of the incident, the Las Vegas Raiders released him, effectively ending his professional football career. In 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in Nevada State Prison.
Financial Impact After Arrest
The crash had devastating financial consequences for Henry Ruggs:
NFL contract terminated
Loss of endorsement deals
Massive legal fees
Potential civil settlements
Loss of future career earnings
Although he had earned several million dollars early in his career, his financial growth stopped immediately. The long-term wealth he could have built from endorsements, contracts, and investments disappeared overnight.
Henry Ruggs Family and Personal Life
Henry Ruggs was raised by Natasha Ruggs and Henry Ruggs Jr., who supported his athletic journey from childhood. His younger brother, Kevontae Ruggs, also pursued football, showing the family’s strong sports background.
Ruggs has a long-term partner, Kiara Washington, his high school sweetheart. The couple shares a daughter born in 2020. Despite his legal troubles, his family has remained supportive and continues to visit him during his imprisonment.
Family support has played a major role in helping him cope emotionally during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Life in Prison and Current Status (2025)
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs is serving his sentence in Nevada. He is no longer active on social media and has completely withdrawn from public life. Reports suggest he is focusing on rehabilitation and reflecting on his past decisions.
There is no confirmed information about whether he plans to pursue any professional opportunities after his release, but his future in professional football remains highly unlikely.
Career Earnings Before Termination
Before his release, Henry Ruggs earned approximately $4.73 million from his NFL contract. After taxes, fees, and legal costs, his retained wealth likely dropped below $3 million.
Had he completed his contract and continued his career, his net worth could have exceeded $20–30 million over time through endorsements and long-term contracts.
Lessons from Henry Ruggs’ Story
Henry Ruggs’ life story highlights several important lessons:
Success can disappear quickly without discipline
Legal consequences can destroy financial stability
Wealth does not guarantee security
One decision can change an entire life
His story is often cited as a cautionary tale in professional sports about responsibility, decision-making, and the consequences of reckless behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henry Ruggs doing now?
Henry Ruggs is currently serving his prison sentence in Nevada after pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death. He remains out of public life and inactive on social media.
Why was Henry Ruggs arrested?
He was arrested for causing a fatal DUI crash in 2021 that resulted in the death of Tina Tintor. The incident led to felony charges and a prison sentence.
Who is Henry Ruggs’ wife?
Henry Ruggs is not married, but he has a longtime partner, Kiara Washington. The couple shares one daughter born in 2020.
Does Henry Ruggs still have money?
Yes, his estimated net worth in 2025 is around $4 million, mainly from earlier earnings, savings, and limited investments, although much of his fortune was lost.
Could Henry Ruggs return to football?
A return to professional football is highly unlikely due to his criminal conviction and long absence from the sport.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ journey from a first-round NFL draft pick to a convicted prisoner is one of the most tragic downfalls in professional sports. Once a rising star with immense potential, he earned millions early in his career but lost much of his wealth and future due to one fatal decision. His estimated $4 million net worth in 2025 is only a fraction of what he could have achieved if his career had continued normally.
His story serves as a powerful reminder that true success is not just about talent, fame, or money, but about responsibility, discipline, and wise choices. The rise and fall of Henry Ruggs shows how quickly life can change and how one moment can redefine a legacy forever.
