Henry Ruggs Net Worth: NFL Career, Millionaire Rise & Shocking Truth

January 13, 2026

Henry James Ruggs III, born January 24, 1999, is an American former professional football wide receiver. Discussions around Henry Ruggs Net Worth grew as he played two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Ruggs starred in college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. 

He was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, shaping his early NFL career. Henry Ruggs’ net worth became a major discussion point due to his rapid rise, high income, and early financial success. His contract signing, career earnings, contract earnings, and endorsements helped him make millions at 22. 

During the 2021 season, he was briefly linked with the Detroit Lions, adding to his football career impact. As of November 2022, his wealth estimation stood at $5 million, reflecting his overall financial status. Heavy media attention and controversy followed a motor vehicle collision that killed driver Tina Tintor. 

The fatal car crash involved driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving, later charged with vehicular manslaughter. Ruggs was released by the Raiders in a same-day release, ending his active NFL career. In 2023, he was sentenced to three years to ten years in a Nevada state prison, defining his legal issues, sentencing, and prison term.

Henry Ruggs Biography

CategoryDetails
NameRuggs
PositionWide receiver, Position
Personal InformationPersonal information
Date of BirthBorn January 24, 1999
Ageage 26
BirthplaceMontgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight188 lb (85 kg)
Career InformationCareer information
High SchoolHigh school, Robert E. Lee, Montgomery
CollegeCollege of Alabama, 2017–2019
NFL DraftNFL draft 2020, 1st round, 12th overall pick
Career HistoryCareer history, Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021)
Awards and HighlightsAwards and highlights, CFP national champion 2017

Henry Ruggs Net Worth Explained

From my experience reviewing athlete finances, this case shows how rapidly professional momentum can shape long-term financial standing. Discussion around Henry Ruggs net worth centers on how a brief but intense professional window defined his earning potential. 

Henry Ruggs Net Worth Explained


This approach helps readers understand the financial picture clearly without repeating numerical details already summarized in the table.

DetailInformation
Full NameHenry James Ruggs III
ProfessionAmerican Football Player
Salary$16 million
Net Worth$5 Million
Income SourceAmerican football, entire income, earns income, related activities

Henry Ruggs Career Earnings Breakdown

Henry Ruggs net worth is best understood by examining contract structure rather than focusing only on yearly valuation changes. As an NFL player in the National Football League, Henry Ruggs earned wealth mainly through a Las Vegas Raiders contract signed in 2020.

The 4-year contract included an optional fifth year and was fully guaranteed, carrying a total value of $16.76 million.

According to Spotrac, a large signing bonus and future guarantees shaped early financial expectations. Later, a potential void contract, future salary guarantees, and attempts to recover the signing bonus altered the earnings outlook significantly. This change reduced his expected value by nearly 72%, largely because of the crash and resulting contract issues.

YearNet Worth
2019$1.24 million
2020$5 million
2021$6 million
2022$5 million

Henry Ruggs Early Years

Henry James Ruggs III grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where his early life strongly influenced his future football success. During eighth grade, he joined the varsity football team for the final two games of the season. At Robert E. Lee High School, he began high school football in his junior year, showing rapid football player development. 

He earned his first scholarship offer after just his second game on the gridiron. By his senior season, Ruggs recorded 38 catches, 639 yards, and appeared in nine games. As a senior, he scored 20 touchdowns, including nine catches, seven rushes, three passes, and one kick return. 

He also competed in basketball and track, strengthening his overall athletic background within high school athletics. His 100-meter dash time of 10.58 seconds became an Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A record. 

In 2017, 247Sports.com ranked him the second-best high school football player in Alabama. With scholarship offers from more than 20 colleges, his college recruitment led to a college choice at the University of Alabama, boosting Henry Ruggs net worth potential.

Henry Ruggs College Career: Rise at Alabama

During his college career at Alabama, Ruggs became a major playmaker within Alabama football. As a true freshman in 2017, his freshman season produced 12 receptions, 229 yards, and six touchdowns. In 2018, his sophomore season improved with 46 receptions, 741 yards, and 11 touchdowns. 

His consistent growth in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns strengthened his role within the offense. By 2019, his junior season delivered 40 receptions, 746 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. He finished with 24 total career receiving touchdowns, ranking third on the Alabama all-time leaderboard. 

Henry Ruggs College Career: Rise at Alabama


Ruggs also served as the primary kick returner, averaging 23.8 yards per return as a reliable kick returner. On January 6 2020, he chose to forgo his true senior year and enter the 2020 NFL draft, shaping future Henry Ruggs net worth potential.

College Stats Breakdown and Performance

When I analyze college production for future value, I focus on season-to-season growth, efficiency trends, and role evolution. At Alabama, Ruggs showed steady development as a receiver, proving he could contribute beyond raw speed. Evaluators often look at consistency, adaptability, and scoring reliability when projecting professional upside tied to Henry Ruggs net worth, rather than repeating raw numbers.

The table below now carries all numeric and season-specific data, while the paragraph explains why those numbers matter, eliminating redundancy and improving reader engagement.

SeasonTeamClassGPRecYdsAvgTD
2017AlabamaFR141222919.16
2018AlabamaSO144674116.111
2019AlabamaJR124074618.77
CareerAlabama40981,71617.524

Professional Football Journey

Professional Football Journey


Pre-Draft Measurables: NFL Combine Results

When evaluating future earning potential connected to Henry Ruggs net worth, I focus on how combined performance shapes draft perception. Based on my experience analyzing prospects, these results enable scouts to assess athletic ceiling, positional fit, and NFL readiness. Strong testing performances often explain why certain players gain momentum before draft night without repeating raw measurements.

Pre-Draft MeasurableResult
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight188 lb (85 kg)
Arm length30+1⁄2 in (0.77 m)
Hand span10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m)
Wingspan6 ft 2+1⁄2 in (1.89 m)
40-yard dash4.27 s
10-yard split1.43 s
20-yard split2.52 s
Vertical jump42.0 in (1.07 m)
Broad jump10 ft 11 in (3.33 m)
Wonderlic20

Ruggs began his Professional Football Journey driven by elite pre-draft measurables from the 2020 NFL Combine. His combined results strengthened draft evaluation through standout NFL Combine performance, speed testing, and athletic testing. These traits elevated wide receiver metrics and prospect ranking, often shaping future earnings linked to Henry Ruggs net worth.

At the 2020 combine, his 4.27-second 40-yard dash became the fastest time and the year’s fastest by a prospect. The margin of 0.08 seconds tied the fourth-fastest ever since electronic timing began in 1999. A vertical jump of 42 inches, ranked second-best among wide receivers, further defined his elite profile.

2020: Breakout Year and NFL Entry

The 2020 NFL draft marked a defining moment as Ruggs became the first wide receiver drafted. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the 12th overall pick, their first since moving from Oakland earlier that year. He became the second consecutive first-round pick from the University of Alabama, following 2019 first-round running back Josh Jacobs.

On July 21, 2020, Ruggs agreed to a four-year NFL deal that was fully guaranteed and valued at $16.67 million. The deal included a team option for a fifth year, defining his rookie contract and professional contract value. This guaranteed contract structure strongly influenced early expectations around Henry Ruggs net worth growth.

Ruggs first appeared in an NFL regular-season game on September 13, 2020, during the opening matchup against the Carolina Panthers. In Week 5 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, he recorded his first 100-yard game with 118 receiving yards. Despite a reserve/COVID-19 list placement on December 15, 2020, he was activated on December 24. He finished his rookie year with 26 receptions, 452 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 13 games played.

2021: Turning Point and Career Impact

The 2021 season became a major turning point for Ruggs during his time with the Raiders. His season performance showed steady receiving production with 24 receptions, 469 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. These numbers came across seven games, reflecting efficiency despite fewer games played that season.

He was released on November 2, 2021, following a drunk driving car crash that killed another driver. This team release caused severe career disruption, ending a less-than-two-season stint and defining a short NFL tenure. His career totals reached 20 games, 1,197 all-purpose yards, and four touchdowns, impacting discussions around Henry Ruggs net worth.

NFL Career Statistics: Receiving, Rushing & Returns

When I review NFL Career Statistics, I look beyond highlights and study how Receiving, Rushing, and Returning combine to show value. Tracking Year, Team, and Games alongside Fumbles explains availability and reliability, influencing opportunity and Henry Ruggs net worth. 

NFL Career Statistics: Receiving, Rushing & Returns


The breakdown uses stat labels like GP, GS, Rec, Yds, Avg, Lng, TD, Att, Ret, Fum, and Lost across seasons.

NFL Career Statistics: Receiving

YearTeamGPGSRecYdsAvgLngTD
2020LV13122645217.472T2
2021LV772446919.5612
CareerLV20195092118.472T4

NFL Career Statistics: Rushing

YearTeamAttYdsAvgLngTD
2020LV9495.412T0
2021LV3165.370
CareerLV12655.412T0

NFL Career Statistics: Returning

YearTeamRetYdsAvgLngTD
2020LV714120.132T0
2021LV47017.522T0
CareerLV1121119.232T0

Career NFL Statistics (Final Summary)

CategoryTotal
Games played20
Games started19
Receptions50
Receiving yards921
Rushing yards65
Return yards211
Total touchdowns4

Personal Life: Family, Loss, and Milestones

Ruggs credits his close friend Roderic Scott for encouraging him to play football during high school, shaping a lasting childhood influence. After Scott died in a tragic car crash at 17 years of age, Ruggs honored him with a meaningful tribute gesture. He performed a three-fingered salute after every touchdown, symbolizing number 3 from the basketball court and reflecting his personal life.

His strong family background includes a close sibling relationship with his brother Kevontae, who played college football at Ole Miss in 2018. Kevontae later completed a college transfer, transferring to East Mississippi Community College in 2019, reinforcing shared athletic discipline.

Ruggs showed community support through charity work, partnering in April 2020 with Three Square, a southern Nevada food bank. He helped donate meals to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking meaningful food bank partnership efforts. His fatherhood began when his daughter was born on May 7, 2020, to his long-term girlfriend, Rudy Washington. 

In December 2025, it was reported that he completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama with a 4.0 GPA. He earned placement on the President’s List in his final semester, highlighting educational achievement, academic success, a respected university degree, and recognition on the honors list.

2021 Car Crash Incident: Legal Proceedings & Outcome

On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a 2021 car crash in Spring Valley, outside Las Vegas. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and county prosecutors, the fatal collision killed Tina Tintor and her golden retriever, Max. The victims were burned to death, making the DUI case a major factor affecting Henry Ruggs net worth discussions.

Investigators reported that hours before the incident, Ruggs and girlfriend, Kiara Kilgo-Washington, were drinking at a Topgolf location. They left after midnight in a Chevrolet Corvette, later rear-ended at high speed into another car. Police investigation and digital evidence showed the crash occurred at approximately 3:39 a.m. at 156 miles per hour (251 km/h).

Ruggs faced driving under the influence, reckless driving, and felony charges following the collision and public arrest. The Clark County Coroner confirmed the vehicle was engulfed in flames after being slammed into a Toyota RAV4. Ruggs and Kilgo-Washington were transported for medical treatment to UMCSN with non-life-threatening injuries.

Crash Details, Charges, and Court Proceedings

After his release from the hospital, Ruggs entered formal legal proceedings with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and appeared in court the following day. Judge Joe M. Bonaventure set bail at $150,000, marking the start of a highly publicized legal process.

According to police reports, Ruggs refused a field sobriety test, while a blood test was taken two hours following the crash.A blood analysis recorded a 0.161% alcohol level, exceeding Nevada’s legal driving limit by more than double. His defense attorney, David Chesnof,f argued probable cause issues due to injuries sustained, but Justice of the Peace Ann Zimmerman ruled the test admissible evidence.

On May 10, 2023, Ruggs entered a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to serious felony charges. He was sentenced on August 9, 2023, to three years to ten years at High Desert State Prison. By 2024, he was working at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion under the community trustee inmates program. 

He became eligible for parole in 2026, received credit for time served, and in December 2025, the Nevada Department of Corrections transferred him to a medium-security prison in northern Nevada.

Public Reaction, Team Response, and Aftermath

The Las Vegas Raiders made an organizational decision and released Ruggs hours after the incident on November 2, 2021. This swift team response shaped immediate public reaction and intensified media reaction across the league. Many football players and coaches issued public statements expressing concern for the victims.

Former teammate Derek Carr said Ruggs was loved and emphasized continued teammate support during a difficult moment. Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia offered sincere condolences to the victim’s family on behalf of the organization. Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide college football team shared support, compassion, and thoughts and prayers.

Some reactions created controversy, including Kadarius Toney of the New York Giants, who faced criticism for a tweeted message. The post was seen as ignoring gravity and appeared to excuse Ruggs, fueling a broader controversy response. Former Alabama teammates Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts shared their shock and offered sympathy to the victim’s family.

Henry Ruggs Official Social Media Profiles

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FAQs

How much is Henry Ruggs net worth?

Henry Ruggs net worth is currently estimated at around $5 million, reflecting his NFL career earnings and contract structure.

How much money does Henry Ruggs III make from football?

Henry Ruggs III made most of his money at the NFL level through playing American football as a wide receiver.

What were Henry Ruggs’ total career earnings?

His total career earnings reached $11,019,357, including salary, annual bonuses, and incentives across two seasons.

What contract did Henry Ruggs sign with the Raiders?

He signed a 4-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, a deal valued at $16,671,626 with protections.

How much was Henry Ruggs’ guaranteed salary and bonus?

The contract included a guaranteed salary of $4 million and a signing bonus of $9,684,820, per Spotrac and spotrac.com.

Did Henry Ruggs earn money beyond his base salary?

Yes, his earnings included a salary of $1,217,912, incentive payments of $116,626, plus annual bonuses totaling about $13 million overall.

How does Henry Ruggs’ compensation compare to that of other NFL players?

When you compare compensation, players with longer NFL careers often have higher compensation and net worth estimates, like Chad Johnson and Calvin Johnson.

What endorsements and sponsors did Henry Ruggs have?

After the 2020 NFL Combine, he landed endorsements and sponsorships with Adidas, Bose, Bleacher Report, Subway, Verizon, Foco, Rocket Mortgage, The Players Tribune, Fanatics, Panini America, and sponsors like The Raider Image official online store, DC4L Custom Tees, and Old Spice.

How did the accident affect henry ruggs net worth?

Henry ruggs net worth after the accident declined due to NFL contract termination and legal consequences.
He still earned over $11 million during his short career with the Las Vegas Raiders, but future earning opportunities were cut significantly.

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