Henry Ruggs once lit up the NFL with blazing speed and game-changing plays, but today his name sparks questions far beyond football. Fans and analysts alike are curious about Henry Ruggs net worth, wondering how much the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver earned before his career came to a shocking halt.
Drafted as a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs’ rookie contract, signing bonuses, and endorsements promised millions in career earnings, yet his meteoric rise collided with tragedy. From college stardom at the University of Alabama to a DUI resulting in death, his financial story is as dramatic as his on-field highlights.
Henry Ruggs Wiki
| Category | Fact / Figure |
| Full Name | Henry Ruggs III |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama |
| College | University of Alabama |
| College Honors | All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship |
| NFL Draft | 2020 NFL Draft |
| Draft Position | 1st round, 12th overall pick |
| NFL Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Rookie Season Stats | 46 catches, 703 yards, multiple touchdowns |
| NFL Career Earnings | $11 million |
| Rookie Contract | Four-year contract, $16.67 million |
| Signing Bonus | $10 million |
| Base Salary (Rookie Year) | $607,000 |
| Total Received (Rookie Year) | $4.73 million |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 million |
| Endorsements | Included in career earnings |
| Major Incident | DUI resulting in death, November 2021 |
| Car Involved | Corvette, 150 mph |
| Victim | Tina Tintor |
| Charges | Felony manslaughter, reckless driving, DUI resulting in death |
| Sentence | 3-10 years prison |
| Contract Status Post-Crash | Released by Raiders, contract voided |
What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth and salary?
At the peak of his career, Henry Ruggs net worth was estimated at around $4 million, a number built largely from his NFL salary and endorsement deals. His career earnings are reported to be approximately $11 million, but this figure does not reflect taxes, agent fees, or legal expenses that significantly reduced his take-home income. NFL salaries are subject to hefty income taxes and federal taxes, and players like Ruggs often pay large agent fees for contract negotiations.
While many fans focus on the glamour of professional football, the reality of a player’s finances includes deductions for legal expenses, especially after incidents like Ruggs’ DUI resulting in death in 2021. Before the crash, Ruggs enjoyed a rising income thanks to his rookie deal, but after being released by Raiders, his contract voided, and legal fees, his net worth dropped sharply.
| Year | Net Worth | Source of Income | Notes |
| 2020 | $3 million | NFL salary, signing bonus | Rookie season with Las Vegas Raiders |
| 2021 | $4 million | NFL salary, endorsements | Truncated season due to car crash and release |
NFL Salary and Contracts
- Henry Ruggs signed a four-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $16.67 million, including a $10 million signing bonus.
- His base salary for the 2020 season was $607,000, and with incentives, he could have earned up to $4.73 million total received in his rookie year.
- A significant portion of NFL earnings goes toward income taxes, agent fees, and sometimes legal expenses if players face lawsuits or criminal charges.
- Despite promising career earnings, Ruggs’ contract was fully voided after the 2021 DUI resulting in death, sharply reducing his financial gains.
- NFL contracts guarantee signing bonuses but may not protect a player if they violate legal or league rules, making financial stability fragile.
Early Life
Henry Ruggs grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where he showed an early talent for speed and football. From a young age, he impressed coaches with his agility and quick thinking. Ruggs’ family supported his dreams, driving him to countless practices and games.
In high school, he excelled as a sprinter and wide receiver, catching the attention of college scouts across the country. His success in high school football set the stage for a scholarship at the University of Alabama, one of the most prestigious programs in college football.
College Career
At the University of Alabama, Ruggs played for one of the most competitive football programs in the country. He earned All-American honors and was part of the team that won the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. Ruggs became known for his game-changing speed and ability to stretch defenses, leading to multiple deep touchdown receptions. His standout stats include 46 catches for 703 yards and multiple touchdowns during his rookie season in college.
He was also named SEC Offensive Player of the Year by the end of his college career. These achievements made him a highly sought-after player in the 2020 NFL Draft, ultimately earning him the 12th overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. His college performance solidified his reputation as one of the fastest wide receivers entering the NFL, making him a promising investment for any team.
NFL Career
Ruggs’ NFL career began with high expectations. Playing as a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, he quickly showed his speed and ability to make big plays. In his 2020 season, he recorded 46 catches for 703 yards. Coaches praised his quick adjustments, while fans celebrated his explosive plays.
His NFL salary and career earnings reflected his potential, and many believed he was on track to become one of the league’s top wide receivers. Off the field, endorsements added to his wealth, increasing his Henry Ruggs net worth. However, the trajectory of his career dramatically changed due to the tragic car crash in November 2021.
2021 Car Crash
In November 2021, Ruggs was involved in a fatal accident that shocked the sports world. Driving a Corvette at 150 mph, he crashed into another vehicle, killing Tina Tintor. Authorities reported that alcohol was involved, and Ruggs was charged with DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and manslaughter.
This incident ended his NFL career and led to his release by the Raiders. His contract voided, and future career earnings were lost. The legal proceedings also brought enormous legal expenses, impacting his finances and significantly reducing his Henry Ruggs net worth.
Sentence
After pleading guilty to felony manslaughter, Ruggs was sentenced 3-10 years in prison. This sentence means he will not be able to return to the NFL for the foreseeable future, cutting off potential income from contracts, signing bonuses, and other opportunities. Legal obligations, restitution, and ongoing court fees continue to affect his financial situation, highlighting how off-field actions can drastically impact a player’s wealth.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ story is a mix of incredible talent and tragic misfortune. From a promising career with career earnings of $11 million and a $16.67 million contract, to a downfall after the 2021 car crash, his financial and personal journey serves as a cautionary tale. His Henry Ruggs net worth today is around $4 million, but it reflects more than just money—it tells a story of opportunity, fame, and consequences. While he once dazzled fans with his speed as a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, legal issues and personal choices ultimately overshadowed his athletic achievements.
FAQs
What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth?
Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated at around $4 million, reflecting his NFL salary, signing bonuses, and endorsements before being released by Raiders following the 2021 car crash.
How much did Henry Ruggs earn in the NFL?
Ruggs earned approximately $11 million in total career earnings, including a $10 million signing bonus and a $607,000 base salary during his four-year contract with the Raiders.
What team did Henry Ruggs play for?
Henry Ruggs played as a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders after being selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
What was Henry Ruggs’ rookie contract?
Ruggs signed a four-year contract worth $16.67 million with a $10 million signing bonus. His total received included incentives, but the contract was later voided after legal issues.
Where did Henry Ruggs go to college?
Ruggs attended the University of Alabama, where he earned All-American honors, won the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, and became SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
What happened in the 2021 car crash?
In November 2021, Ruggs caused a car crash driving a Corvette at 150 mph, resulting in the death of Tina Tintor, leading to charges of DUI resulting in death and manslaughter.
What was Henry Ruggs’ sentence?
After pleading guilty to felony manslaughter, Ruggs was sentenced 3-10 years in prison, ending his NFL career and eliminating future career earnings from contracts and endorsements.
How much did Ruggs earn in his rookie season?
During the 2020 rookie season, Ruggs received $4.73 million total, including a $2.4 million signing bonus, a $607,000 base salary, and additional performance incentives from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Why was Henry Ruggs released by the Raiders?
The Las Vegas Raiders released Ruggs after the 2021 DUI resulting in death crash. His four-year contract was voided, cutting off all guaranteed future NFL salary and endorsements.
What were Ruggs’ college stats?
At Alabama, Ruggs recorded 46 catches for 703 yards with multiple touchdowns, helping the team win championships and establishing him as a top wide receiver for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Clara Ella writer is known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and love for spreading encouragement through words. With a passion for faith, positivity, and helping others, she creates uplifting reflections that inspire warmth, hope, and emotional healing. Rooted in real-life experiences and compassionate insight, Clara’s writing connects deeply with readers seeking comfort, light, and meaningful moments in everyday life.