Henry Ruggs III is a former NFL wide receiver. He played for the Las Vegas Raiders after the 2020 NFL Draft. Ruggs showed speed with a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He signed a four-year $16.67 million contract with a $9.68 million signing bonus. His career earnings were over $11 million before his contract termination.
In 2021, a fatal DUI crash in Las Vegas caused the tragic death of Tina Tintor. Ruggs faced vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and a prison sentence. His net worth dropped, sponsorships ended, and public opinion shifted. Now, he awaits parole eligibility in 2026.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Henry James Ruggs III |
| Known As | Henry Ruggs |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
| Age | 26 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 186 lbs (85 kg) |
| College | University of Alabama |
| NFL Draft | 2020, Round 1, Pick 12 (Las Vegas Raiders) |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Children | 1 |
| NFL Career | 2020–2021 (Las Vegas Raiders) |
| Rookie Contract | $16.67 million (4 years) with $9.68 million signing bonus |
| Career Earnings | Approx. $11 million before termination |
| Endorsements | Adidas (terminated after DUI incident) |
| NFL Stats | 20 games, 50 receptions, 921 yards, 4 touchdowns |
| Major Incident | Fatal DUI crash (Las Vegas, Nov 2021) killing Tina Tintor |
| Legal Outcome | Sentenced to 3–10 years in Nevada prison (Aug 2023) |
| Parole Eligibility | August 2026 |
| Current Status | Inmate at Nevada Correctional Centre, part of work program |
| Reported Net Worth | $1.5 – $2 million (2024 estimates) |
| Assets Sold | Las Vegas house ($1.1 million), luxury cars, valuables |
| Public Image | Negative; major brand damage and career downfall |
| Future Outlook | Possible parole in 2026, slim chances of NFL return |
Henry Ruggs’ Early Life
Henry Ruggs’ early life began in Montgomery, Alabama. He went to Robert E. Lee High School. Ruggs was a three-sport athlete. He played football, basketball, and ran track. His speed made him a star in high school football. He scored many touchdowns and became a top wide receiver. Ruggs later joined the University of Alabama and played for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
He helped the team win the College Football Playoff National Championship. Coaches praised his talent and work ethic. His success in college football led him to the NFL Draft. Scouts admired his 4.27-second 40-yard dash.
College Career
Henry Ruggs’ college career began at the University of Alabama. He played for the Alabama Crimson Tide under Nick Saban. Ruggs became a key wide receiver in college football. He made 98 receptions for 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns. His speed and skills helped Alabama win the College Football Playoff National Championship 2018.
Ruggs was part of the SEC football powerhouse team. He was known for big plays and fast routes. His success made him a top NFL draft pick. Scouts praised his athletic ability, teamwork, and discipline. Ruggs’ strong college football stats shaped his path to the NFL.
Professional career and early earnings
Henry Ruggs started his professional career in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was picked in the 2020 NFL Draft, 12th overall. Ruggs signed a rookie contract worth $16.67 million with a $9.68 million signing bonus. His base salary was more than $600,000 in the first year. He earned over $11 million career earnings before his contract termination.
Ruggs showed promise as a wide receiver, with speed and big catches. He played 20 games and scored 4 touchdowns. His early earnings, sponsorships, and Adidas endorsement increased his wealth. But legal issues later caused a sharp financial decline.
Henry Ruggs’ NFL career
Henry Ruggs began his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was known as a fast wide receiver with a 4.27-second 40-yard dash. Ruggs signed a four-year contract worth $16.67 million. His deal included a $9.68 million signing bonus and guaranteed money. He played in 20 games and scored 4 touchdowns.
Ruggs showed promise with over 900 receiving yards. Fans and coaches believed he would become a top NFL player. His career ended early after a fatal DUI crash in 2021. The Raiders terminated his contract, and he faced a prison sentence and financial downfall.
12th overall pick in 2020
Henry Ruggs was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders chose him because of his speed and strong college football career at Alabama Crimson Tide. Scouts praised his big-play ability and route running. Ruggs was the first wide receiver taken in the draft class.
His draft position showed the Raiders’ confidence in him. He joined other NFL rookies in building a promising future. Ruggs’ selection brought high expectations and attention. His rookie contract, signing bonus, and career earnings reflected his value. Sadly, his career was cut short after the 2021 Las Vegas crash.
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His $16.67 million rookie contract
Henry Ruggs signed a rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. The deal was worth $16.67 million over four years. It included guaranteed salary and a large signing bonus. Ruggs became one of the highest-paid NFL rookies of his class. His contract showed the team’s trust in his talent and speed.
The Raiders contract was part of their long-term plan. This deal added to Ruggs’ net worth and career earnings. Fans and analysts compared his contract to other NFL wide receivers. His contract history later ended after his fatal DUI crash and contract termination.
Breakdown of salary and bonuses
Henry Ruggs’ contract included a $9.68 million signing bonus. His base salary was around $610,000 in 2020. In 2021, it increased to more than $607,000. He also had roster bonuses and performance incentives. His guaranteed salary made sure he earned millions, even as a rookie wide receiver.
The salary cap showed his contract cost to the Raiders team. Ruggs’ total career earnings before release were about $11 million. After the Raiders contract termination, some money was clawed back. The loss of bonuses and endorsement deals hurt his financial status. His career ended early, with big financial consequences.
Performance stats from 20 NFL games
Henry Ruggs played 20 NFL games with the Las Vegas Raiders. He started in 19 games as a wide receiver. Ruggs made 50 catches for 921 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His best season was 2021, with 24 receptions, 469 yards, and 2 touchdowns before the accident.
His speed created big plays and deep passes. Ruggs was seen as a future star in the National Football League. Coaches valued his route running and athletic skills. Fans expected him to grow into a top player. His NFL stats reflected early promise but ended too soon after his career downfall.
The 2021 crash and its financial aftermath
In November 2021, Henry Ruggs was involved in a fatal DUI crash in Las Vegas. The accident killed Tina Tintor and her dog. Ruggs faced vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and a prison sentence of 3–10 years. The Raiders terminated his contract, ending his NFL career.
Ruggs lost millions in career earnings, signing bonus clawbacks, and endorsement deals with Adidas and others. His net worth dropped from millions to less than half. He also faced legal expenses, court costs, and civil settlements. The crash changed his life, turning a bright NFL future into a major financial decline.
Timeline of the DUI incident
On November 2, 2021, Henry Ruggs drove his Chevrolet Corvette in Las Vegas. He was speeding at 156 mph on Rainbow Boulevard. His car hit a Toyota RAV4, causing a fatal car crash. The accident killed Tina Tintor and her dog Max.
Police said Ruggs’ blood alcohol level was 0.161%, twice the legal limit. He was arrested the same day and taken to the Las Vegas Justice Court. The Raiders released him within hours. This DUI resulting in death shocked the NFL world. The timeline showed how quickly Ruggs’ promising NFL career ended after one tragic night.
Legal charges and sentencing details
Henry Ruggs faced felony charges for DUI resulting in death and reckless driving. Prosecutors also considered vehicular manslaughter. In May 2023, Ruggs accepted a plea deal. He was sentenced in August 2023 to 3–10 years in Nevada prison. His parole eligibility begins in 2026.
Ruggs was moved to the Nevada Correctional Centre and later the Casa Grande Transitional Housing program. He earns small wages through the community trustee inmate program. His legal expenses, court fees, and civil settlements added financial strain. The case became a cautionary tale of how a single decision ended a bright NFL career.
Immediate termination of NFL contract
After the 2021 DUI crash, the Las Vegas Raiders ended Henry Ruggs’ NFL contract. His rookie deal was worth $16.67 million with a big signing bonus. The Raiders contract termination was announced the same day of his arrest. Ruggs lost guaranteed money and future career earnings.
Around $6 million was clawed back from his contract. His removal also freed up the team’s salary cap space. The quick action showed the NFL’s zero tolerance for such actions. Ruggs went from being a first-round draft pick to a former NFL player. His contract history ended in tragedy and loss.
Loss of endorsements including Adidas
Henry Ruggs also lost many endorsement deals after the crash. His biggest brand tie was with Adidas sponsorship, which ended immediately. Other companies, like Nike and Beats by Dre, also cut ties. These sponsorship terminations caused a sharp fall in his net worth. Ruggs had once been seen as a marketable NFL wide receiver. Brands valued his speed, youth, and rising career.
After the fatal DUI crash, his public image suffered. The financial consequences included millions lost from advertising contracts and marketing agreements. His sponsorship loss added to his financial downfall and made his career collapse even harder.
Estimated legal fees and settlements
Henry Ruggs faced heavy legal expenses after the fatal DUI crash. His attorney fees, court costs, and lawsuit charges added up to millions. Reports said he also paid civil settlements to the family of Tina Tintor. These costs reduced his net worth and career earnings. Ruggs also lost money from contract termination and endorsement deals. His financial burden grew with every hearing and court appearance. Experts note his legal fees may reach several million dollars. The combination of defense expenses, lawsuit settlements, and litigation costs created a huge financial downfall for the once-promising NFL wide receiver.
Current net worth estimates from multiple sources
Henry Ruggs’ net worth has dropped since his NFL career ended. Before the accident, he was worth about $4 million. Sources like Celebrity Net Worth and Sportskeeda now estimate much less. After legal fees, sponsorship loss, and contract clawbacks, his wealth is limited. Reports suggest his net worth is between $1.5 million and $2 million.
His career earnings of over $11 million were quickly reduced. Ruggs also sold assets, including a house worth $1.1 million. The financial consequences of his crash remain severe. Today, he has only a small part of his former fortune and assets.
How much of his career earnings are left?
Henry Ruggs earned over $11 million career earnings from the Las Vegas Raiders. His rookie contract promised even more. But after the Raiders contract termination, much of the money was clawed back. Reports say he kept around $4.7 million before taxes. After paying legal fees, settlements, and court costs, less remained.
His actual take-home wealth dropped further with tax deductions and sponsorship loss. Ruggs’ financial decline shows how quickly money can vanish. Today, only a small share of his NFL salary and bonuses is left. His once bright financial future became uncertain after the 2021 DUI crash.
Income from Nevada inmate work program
Henry Ruggs is part of the Nevada inmate work program. He works as a community trustee inmate while serving his prison sentence. Reports say he earns about $2.50 per hour wages. This income is very small compared to his past NFL salary. The program gives prisoners work experience and a small income.
Ruggs helps in government offices and prison duties. His pay covers only basic needs. The inmate program does not rebuild his lost career earnings. Still, it gives him structure and a chance to stay active. Ruggs’ financial situation remains weak compared to his former net worth.
Assets sold to cover legal costs
Henry Ruggs sold several assets to pay his legal expenses. Reports said he sold his Las Vegas house worth $1.1 million. He also gave up luxury cars and other valuables. These sales helped cover attorney fees, court costs, and civil settlements. His financial status changed from wealth to loss quickly.
The sale of personal property showed his struggle with litigation costs. Ruggs once had high-value endorsement deals and NFL contracts, but much of that wealth disappeared. Selling assets for legal fees became his only option. The financial downfall left him with far fewer resources than before.
Can Henry Ruggs recover financially?
Henry Ruggs faces a tough financial recovery. His net worth dropped after the fatal DUI crash, contract termination, and sponsorship loss. He may earn small wages from the Nevada inmate program, but that cannot rebuild millions. Future parole eligibility in 2026 could give him a chance to work again. Some believe Ruggs might attempt an NFL comeback like other athletes.
But his public image and legal history make this difficult. He could explore other jobs after release. Recovery will take years of effort. Ruggs’ financial future remains uncertain, with limited chances to regain his past fortune and assets.
Is he eligible for parole and when?
Henry Ruggs is serving a 3–10 year prison sentence in Nevada. He became eligible for parole starting in August 2026. This means he could leave prison early if approved by the parole board. His parole eligibility depends on good behavior and program participation. Ruggs works in the community trustee inmate program, which may help his case.
If denied, he must serve more time before another hearing. His future outside prison will be shaped by the decision. The Nevada Correctional Centre will review his progress. His release on parole remains uncertain but possible within three years.
Possibility of a return to professional sports
Many fans wonder if Henry Ruggs can return to professional sports. He was a talented NFL wide receiver with great speed. Some compare his case to Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth, who returned after prison. But Ruggs faces a harder road due to the fatal DUI crash.
His public perception is negative, and many teams may avoid him. If he stays fit in prison, he could attempt an NFL comeback after parole eligibility. Still, the chances are slim. Ruggs’ career trajectory shows lost potential. His return to the National Football League is possible but very unlikely.
Public perception and brand damage
Henry Ruggs’ image changed after the fatal DUI crash. Before the tragedy, he was seen as a rising NFL wide receiver. Afterward, his public perception turned negative. Fans and media called his story a career downfall. He lost trust from the Las Vegas Raiders, sponsors, and the community. His brand value dropped with the end of Adidas sponsorship and other deals.
The financial consequences added to his struggles. Many now see Ruggs as a cautionary tale in sports. His reputation shows how one mistake can destroy a career, endorsements, and athlete marketability in the NFL world.
Lessons from other athletes with legal troubles
Henry Ruggs’ case is compared to other NFL players with legal issues. Michael Vick returned after prison for dogfighting charges. Donte Stallworth played again after a DUI resulting in death. Josh Brent and Leonard Little also had comebacks. These stories show that some athletes rebuild careers.
But success depends on public opinion, team support, and personal change. Ruggs faces tougher challenges because of the Las Vegas crash and tragic death of Tina Tintor. The lesson is clear: athletes must protect their image. Sports controversies can destroy contracts, sponsorships, and future earnings in professional football.
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Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ story is a mix of talent, success, and tragedy. As a fast NFL wide receiver, he earned millions with the Las Vegas Raiders. His rookie contract, signing bonus, and endorsement deals promised a bright future. But the 2021 fatal DUI crash changed everything. Ruggs faced legal charges, a prison sentence, and the end of his career.
His net worth and public image fell sharply. Now, he works in the Nevada inmate program while awaiting parole eligibility in 2026. Ruggs remains a cautionary tale, showing how one mistake can destroy fame, fortune, and an athlete’s legacy.
FAQ’s
What were his legal charges?
He faced DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and vehicular manslaughter.
What was Henry Ruggs’ sentence?
In August 2023, Ruggs was sentenced to 3–10 years in Nevada prison.
Did he lose endorsements?
Yes, Adidas sponsorship and other endorsement deals ended after the crash.
Where is Henry Ruggs now?
He is serving time in the Nevada Correctional Centre and works in the inmate program.
Can he return to the NFL?
A comeback is possible after parole, but unlikely due to his public image and legal past.
What lesson comes from his story?
Ruggs’ case is a cautionary tale showing how one mistake can end an NFL career and destroy financial stability.
Lucas is an experienced blogger at Celeb Flick, focusing on entertainment and celebrity news. Lucas shares the latest scoops and insightful analysis, captivating readers with engaging stories and trending topics.