Who is Henry Ruggs?
Henry Ruggs III was once hailed as one of the most explosive wide receivers to enter the NFL. Born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama, Ruggs gained national attention for his blistering speed and athleticism during his college football days with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
He was later drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, becoming one of the most promising rookies of his class. But his career took a tragic turn in 2021, ending his NFL journey prematurely.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $4 million. While he initially signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Raiders, his legal troubles and subsequent release from the team significantly impacted his financial standing.
Breakdown of Earnings
💰 NFL Contract Details
When Ruggs was drafted in 2020, he signed a 4-year, $16.67 million contract[Source], which was fully guaranteed. The contract included:
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$9.68 million signing bonus
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Annual salary: approx. $4.1 million
Ruggs played for just under two seasons before his 2021 arrest. As a result, he was paid approximately $11 million before the Raiders voided the remaining portion of his contract and attempted to recover parts of his bonus.
📉 Legal Setbacks
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a fatal DUI crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. He was reportedly driving at 156 mph with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit.
The incident led to:
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Immediate release by the Raiders
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Multiple felony charges
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Civil lawsuits from the victim’s family
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Legal fees exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars
In 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison.
🔚 Endorsement Losses
Before the crash, Ruggs was beginning to land endorsement deals, most notably with:
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Adidas (official NFL partner)
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Panini America (sports cards)
After the legal incident, all endorsements were terminated immediately. The potential for millions in brand deals was lost, impacting his long-term financial future.
Assets and Financial Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million – $4 million |
| Main Income | NFL salary, signing bonus |
| Lost Income | Endorsements, contract termination |
| Legal Fees | Estimated $500,000+ |
| Current Income | None (incarcerated) |
Ruggs also reportedly invested in real estate and luxury items during his time in the NFL, but it’s unclear how many assets remain in his name post-legal actions.
Life Before NFL
Henry Ruggs played high school football at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery and quickly became one of Alabama’s top prospects. His career at the University of Alabama included:
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24 touchdowns
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746 yards in his junior year
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Played alongside stars like Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith
His college performance made him a favorite among NFL scouts due to his speed, clocking a 4.27-second 40-yard dash.
Is There Any Hope for a Comeback?
Given the nature of his crime and his sentencing, it’s doubtful that Henry Ruggs will ever return to the NFL. Even if released early, the combination of public backlash, league reputation concerns, and his prolonged absence from professional football make a comeback improbable.
Lessons from the Henry Ruggs Story
The story of Henry Ruggs is tragic not only for the loss of a young woman’s life but also as a stark reminder of how quickly a promising career can collapse due to a single reckless decision.
His journey teaches athletes and public figures alike about:
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The importance of responsibility
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The weight of fame and influence
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The legal and financial consequences of DUI and reckless behavior
FAQs About Henry Ruggs’ Net Worth
1. What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $4 million. His wealth has significantly declined due to legal expenses, loss of his NFL contract, and forfeited endorsements.
2. How much did Henry Ruggs earn from the NFL?
He earned around $11 million before his release from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
3. What was Henry Ruggs’ signing bonus?
His signing bonus was $9.68 million, part of his fully guaranteed rookie contract.
4. Why did Ruggs lose most of his wealth?
The primary reasons include:
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His release from the Raiders
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Loss of future NFL earnings
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Legal fees
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Endorsement deals are being canceled
5. Can Henry Ruggs return to football?
While legally possible after serving his sentence, a return is doubtful due to the gravity of his crime and the public relations risk for any team.
Final Thoughts
Henry Ruggs’ net worth story is not just a tale of financial decline — it’s a narrative about talent, consequences, and accountability. From a multi-million-dollar career to prison, Ruggs’ downfall is one of the most talked-about cases in recent NFL history.
While his financial figures may still appear high to many, the potential earnings he lost — likely over $50 million — paint a much more sobering picture.
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