Henry Ruggs III, the American football player born January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama, quickly rose to prominence as a standout wide receiver. From his impressive Alabama football career to being a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs demonstrated immense talent on the field.
However, his promising career faced a sudden downturn following a November 2021 car crash. This article explores Henry Ruggs net worth, NFL salary, career earnings, contracts, and the financial impact of his off-field incident. We also provide insight into his early life, college career, and performance metrics, helping fans understand both his athletic and financial journey in detail.
Quick Facts
| Category | Quick Facts |
| Full Name | Henry Ruggs III |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| College | University of Alabama |
| College Highlights | SEC Offensive Player, All-American, College Football Playoff participant |
| NFL Draft | 2020 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 12th Overall Pick |
| NFL Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Rookie Contract | Four-year, $16.67 million deal |
| Signing Bonus | $10 million (clawed back after crash) |
| Base Salary (Rookie Year) | $607,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | $11 million (before taxes and clawbacks) |
| Net Worth | $4 million (post-crash) |
| NFL Career Stats | Multiple touchdowns, high yards per catch, promising rookie season |
| Major Incident | November 2021 car crash, DUI resulting in death, reckless driving |
| Victim | Tina Tintor |
| Legal Outcome | Guilty plea, sentenced to 3-10 years prison |
| Contract Status Post-Incident | Voided; signing bonus partially clawed back |
| Performance Metrics | Notable catches, yards, touchdowns in rookie NFL season |
What Is Henry Ruggs’ Net Worth and Salary?
As of 2026, Henry Ruggs’ net worth $4 million reflects both his on-field achievements and the financial consequences of his 2021 legal troubles. Despite signing lucrative deals as an NFL wide receiver, including a $16.67 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, his career earnings $11 million were significantly impacted by income taxes, agent fees, and contractual clauses.
Ruggs’ financial profile includes:
- $10 million signing bonus initially received
- $607,000 base salary in his rookie year
- $2.4 million signing bonus for subsequent agreements
- $4.73 million total received before contract voiding
After the fatal crash and subsequent legal issues, a portion of his signing bonus was clawed back, leaving Ruggs with a reduced net worth. While he once earned one of the higher NFL salaries for a rookie, his current financial situation is far from what his early career promised.
NFL Salary and Contracts
Henry Ruggs’ financial trajectory in the NFL was shaped largely by his rookie four-year contract. Selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs was viewed as a high-potential NFL wide receiver capable of delivering immediate impact. His rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders included:
| Contract Element | Amount | Notes |
| Contract Value | $16.67 million | Four-year rookie deal |
| Signing Bonus | $10 million | Paid upfront but subject to clawback |
| Base Salary (2020) | $607,000 | Standard rookie pay |
| Total Received | $4.73 million | Adjusted after taxes and fees |
| Contract Status | Voided | After legal incident |
These figures highlight the financial significance of early NFL contracts. While the base salary is modest, the signing bonus represents the bulk of early career income. Ruggs also faced Federal taxes and agent fees, further reducing net receipts.
Early Life
Henry Ruggs III was born January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama, and quickly showed athletic prowess. Growing up in a football-centric environment, Ruggs developed speed and agility that would later define his career.
- Attended Montgomery’s local high school and excelled in track and football
- Recognized as a top recruit nationally for his speed and route running
- Early achievements included breaking multiple school records in yards and touchdowns
These formative years were critical in shaping Ruggs’ path toward Alabama football and eventually the NFL. His upbringing also played a role in his later challenges, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility off the field.
College Career
At the University of Alabama, Ruggs established himself as a premier wide receiver. His college tenure was marked by exceptional performance metrics, including catches, yards, and touchdowns, helping him gain national recognition.
Key highlights of Ruggs’ college career:
- SEC Offensive Player recognition for standout performances
- Participated in the College Football Playoff, contributing critical plays
- Named All-American for consistent dominance on the field
- Built reputation as one of the fastest receivers in the country
Ruggs’ college success directly influenced his selection as a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was seen as a potential game-changer for the Las Vegas Raiders. His rookie season expectations were high, both in performance and potential earnings.
NFL Career
Ruggs’ NFL career began with significant promise. Drafted in 2020, his rookie season saw him quickly integrate into the Raiders’ offense. He demonstrated:
- Speed and agility unmatched by many wide receivers
- Promising career stats with multiple touchdowns and high yards per catch
- Recognition as a rising star among young NFL wide receivers
Despite these achievements, his NFL salary and career earnings $11 million reflected not just on-field performance but also the lucrative structure of rookie contracts, including signing bonuses and base salary. His trajectory suggested a long-term financial and professional ascent until the November 2021 car crash abruptly halted his career.
2021 Car Crash
In November 2021, Henry Ruggs III was involved in a fatal crash that drastically altered his career and finances. The incident involved:
- DUI resulting in death and reckless driving
- Victim Tina Tintor
- Multiple felony counts filed
- Immediate release from the Las Vegas Raiders
The legal repercussions included a guilty plea and sentencing to 3-10 years prison. Financially, Ruggs faced a contract voided situation, with a significant portion of his signing bonus clawed back. This incident underscores how off-field behavior can have profound implications on both personal freedom and net worth $4 million.
Sentence
Henry Ruggs III was sentenced to prison following his guilty plea. His 3-10 years prison term highlights the legal accountability NFL players face for actions off the field. While his NFL career once promised high earnings, the combination of legal penalties and contract reductions now defines his current financial reality.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ story is a complex intersection of athletic talent, financial opportunity, and personal accountability. From his early days in Montgomery, Alabama to his Alabama football achievements and selection as a first round pick, Ruggs exemplified the promise of a rising NFL wide receiver. However, the November 2021 car crash dramatically altered both his career and financial trajectory. Today, with a net worth $4 million, Ruggs serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between career earnings $11 million, NFL salary, and personal decisions. His journey highlights both the rewards and risks of professional sports.
Zara Lane is an experienced writer at BlessingAndShine, specializing in creating heartfelt and inspiring blessing articles. With a passion for spreading positivity and hope, she crafts messages that bring comfort, joy, and encouragement to readers. Zara combines creativity, empathy, and real-world insight to produce content that uplifts spirits, fosters connection, and helps readers celebrate meaningful moments in life.
