Henry Ruggs III, once a rising star in the NFL, has seen his life and fortune completely destroyed following a fatal DUI crash in 2021. The former Las Vegas Raiders first-round draft pick went from earning millions as a professional athlete to serving a 3-10 year prison sentence. His promising career ended abruptly at age 22, taking with it all future earnings and endorsement opportunities.
Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025 is estimated at negative or near zero dollars, a shocking fall from his previous wealth of approximately $3-4 million. The former NFL wide receiver has lost virtually everything due to his criminal conviction and the immediate termination of his $16.67 million rookie contract. Legal fees, civil lawsuit settlements, and wrongful death lawsuits have completely depleted his finances.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Henry James Ruggs III |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1999 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| College | University of Alabama |
| Draft Year | 2020 (1st Round, 12th Overall) |
| Former Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Prison Sentence | 3-10 years |
| Current Status | Incarcerated |
What Is Henry Ruggs Net Worth and Salary?
Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025 is estimated to be negative or close to zero. The former NFL star has lost virtually all his accumulated wealth. Before his imprisonment, Ruggs had an estimated net worth of approximately $3-4 million. However, legal fees, civil lawsuit settlements, and lost earnings have completely depleted his finances.
The dramatic collapse of Ruggs’ financial situation happened rapidly. He went from earning millions annually to having no income whatsoever. His NFL salary was terminated immediately following the fatal crash. The Las Vegas Raiders voided his contract, meaning he forfeited the remaining guaranteed money.
Current financial obligations continue to mount for Ruggs. He faces potential civil lawsuit damages that could reach tens of millions of dollars. The victim’s family filed wrongful death lawsuits seeking substantial compensation. Even after his release from prison, Ruggs will likely spend decades paying off these debts. His earning potential has been permanently destroyed by his criminal conviction.
NFL Salary and Contracts
Henry Ruggs signed a four-year rookie contract worth $16.67 million with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. The deal included a $9.68 million signing bonus and $16.67 million guaranteed. His annual average salary was approximately $4.17 million. This represented one of the most lucrative rookie contracts for wide receivers that year.
Breakdown of Ruggs’ NFL Contract
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Cash | |—|—|—| | 2020 | $610,000 | $9.68 million | $10.29 million | | 2021 | $1.17 million | Prorated | $3.59 million | | 2022 | $1.73 million | Prorated | $4.15 million | | 2023 | $2.29 million | Prorated | $4.71 million |
The Raiders terminated Ruggs’ contract in November 2021, immediately following the fatal car crash. He had earned approximately $13-14 million from his contract before termination. The team successfully voided the remaining guaranteed money. This meant Ruggs lost out on potentially $2-3 million in future earnings from his rookie deal alone.
Had Ruggs maintained his career trajectory, he would have been eligible for a massive contract extension after his rookie deal. Elite wide receivers now command contracts worth $25-30 million annually. Over a typical NFL career, Ruggs could have earned $100-150 million. All of this potential income vanished in a single moment.
Early Life of Henry Ruggs
Henry Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in a challenging environment that shaped his competitive spirit. Ruggs faced personal tragedy early in life when his best friend, Rod Scott, died in a car accident during their teenage years. This loss profoundly impacted young Ruggs and motivated him to succeed.
Ruggs attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery. He excelled as a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and track. His exceptional speed made him a standout performer. Ruggs ran track with Olympic-level times, clocking a 10.58-second 100-meter dash. This blazing speed would become his trademark on the football field.
As a high school football player, Ruggs dominated opponents with his explosive playmaking ability. He caught 38 touchdown passes during his prep career. His performance earned him a five-star recruit rating from multiple scouting services. Top college programs across the country heavily recruited him. Ultimately, Ruggs chose to attend the University of Alabama, joining one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
Henry Ruggs College Career
At the University of Alabama, Ruggs became a key weapon for the Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense. He played under legendary coach Nick Saban from 2017 to 2019. Ruggs formed a lethal receiving corps alongside future NFL stars Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith. His speed stretched defenses and created opportunities for Alabama’s passing attack.
During his freshman season in 2017, Ruggs caught 6 passes for 229 yards and 6 touchdowns. His efficiency was remarkable, averaging over 38 yards per reception. Ruggs played a crucial role in Alabama’s national championship victory against Georgia. He caught a critical touchdown pass in the title game.
College Statistics
- 2017 Season: 6 receptions, 229 yards, 6 TDs
- 2018 Season: 46 receptions, 741 yards, 11 TDs
- 2019 Season: 40 receptions, 746 yards, 7 TDs
- Career Totals: 98 receptions, 1,716 yards, 24 TDs
Ruggs declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year in 2020. He was projected as a first-round pick due to his elite speed and big-play ability. NFL scouts measured his 40-yard dash time at approximately 4.27 seconds at the combine. This exceptional speed made him one of the most coveted wide receiver prospects. His decision to leave Alabama early proved to be the right choice from a draft perspective.
NFL Career Henry Ruggs
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Henry Ruggs with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He became the first wide receiver chosen that year, ahead of players like Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. The Raiders believed Ruggs’ speed would transform their offense. Head coach Jon Gruden envisioned Ruggs as a vertical threat who could take the top off defenses.
Ruggs’ rookie season showed promise despite some inconsistency. He caught 26 passes for 452 yards and 2 touchdowns in 13 games. His speed created opportunities even when he didn’t receive targets. Defenses had to account for his deep threat capability on every play. The Raiders coaching staff planned to increase his involvement in year two.
The 2021 season began promisingly for Ruggs. Through seven games, he recorded 24 receptions for 469 yards and 2 touchdowns. His yards per catch average of 19.5 ranked among the league leaders. Ruggs appeared ready for a breakout campaign. Then everything changed on November 2, 2021, when the fatal crash occurred. His NFL career ended abruptly with just 20 games played and minimal statistical production compared to his potential.
Henry Ruggs Family
Henry Ruggs III has maintained close ties with his family throughout his life. His parents provided support during his athletic development. Ruggs’ father, Henry Ruggs II, worked hard to provide for the family. His mother, Nataki Ruggs, encouraged his academic and athletic pursuits.
Ruggs has a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington. The couple began dating during their high school years in Alabama. They have remained together through Ruggs’ college career, NFL success, and legal troubles. Their relationship has endured extraordinary challenges.
The couple has a daughter named Kenzli Re’Nai Ruggs, born in May 2020. Becoming a father added new responsibilities to Ruggs’ life. His daughter was just 18 months old when the fatal crash occurred. Kiara and their daughter were actually passengers in Ruggs’ vehicle during the crash. Both survived with injuries. This family connection adds another tragic dimension to the entire situation, as Ruggs’ decisions endangered his own loved ones.
2021 Car Crash
On November 2, 2021, Henry Ruggs was involved in a devastating car crash in Las Vegas. The incident occurred at approximately 3:39 AM on Rainbow Boulevard. Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette at an extremely high speed when he struck a Toyota RAV4. The impact caused the Toyota to burst into flames.
Tina Tintor, a 23-year-old woman, was driving the Toyota RAV4. She became trapped inside the burning vehicle along with her dog, Max. Both Tintor and her dog died at the scene. The horrific nature of the crash shocked the Las Vegas community and the entire NFL.
Investigations revealed that Ruggs was driving at 156 miles per hour just seconds before impact. His speed was still 127 mph at the moment of collision. His blood alcohol content measured 0.161%, more than twice Nevada’s legal limit of 0.08%. Ruggs also had marijuana in his system. These facts established clear criminal liability.
Key Facts About the Crash
- Date: November 2, 2021
- Time: 3:39 AM
- Location: Rainbow Boulevard, Las Vegas
- Ruggs’ Speed: 156 mph (reduced to 127 mph at impact)
- BAC Level: 0.161% (twice the legal limit)
- Victims: Tina Tintor (23) and her dog Max
- Charges: DUI resulting in death, reckless driving
The Raiders released Ruggs from the team immediately. The NFL placed him on the Commissioner Exempt List. Criminal charges followed quickly, with prosecutors filing multiple felony counts. The crash destroyed multiple lives and ended Ruggs’ promising career. The consequences continue to ripple through all parties involved.
Henry Ruggs’ Contract Was Worth Millions Before Termination
Before the fatal crash, Henry Ruggs stood to earn millions from his NFL career. His rookie contract guaranteed him significant wealth. The $9.68 million signing bonus provided immediate financial security. Annual salaries would have added millions more over four years. These earnings represented just the beginning of his potential NFL income.
The contract termination cost Ruggs approximately $2-3 million in remaining guaranteed money. The Raiders successfully argued that his criminal conduct voided the contract. Insurance policies typically exclude coverage for criminal acts. This meant Ruggs couldn’t recover the lost earnings through any legal mechanism.
Beyond his rookie deal, Ruggs missed out on generational wealth. Second contracts for successful wide receivers now exceed $20-30 million annually. Elite receivers sign deals worth $100 million or more over four or five years. Ruggs’ speed and playmaking ability suggested he would have commanded premium compensation. Financial analysts estimate he lost $100-150 million in potential career earnings. This staggering figure doesn’t include endorsement deals, appearance fees, and post-career opportunities. The financial devastation extends far beyond his immediate contract losses.
FAQ,s
What is Henry Ruggs doing now?
Henry Ruggs is currently serving his prison sentence at a Nevada correctional facility. He is incarcerated for 3-10 years following his guilty plea to DUI charges.
Why did Henry Ruggs III get arrested?
Ruggs was arrested for driving under the influence and causing a fatal crash that killed Tina Tintor and her dog. He was driving 156 mph with a BAC of 0.161%.
Who is Henry Ruggs’ wife?
Henry Ruggs is not married, but his longtime girlfriend is Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington. They have been together since high school and have a daughter together.
Does Henry Ruggs own a home?
Ruggs previously owned property in Las Vegas, but likely had to liquidate assets to cover legal fees and potential civil judgments. His current housing status is incarceration.
How long is Henry Ruggs in prison?
Henry Ruggs received a sentence of 3-10 years in Nevada state prison. He became eligible for parole after serving the minimum three years with good behavior.
Can Henry Ruggs return to the NFL?
Ruggs is permanently banned from the NFL following his criminal conviction. Even after release, no team would sign him due to the severity of his crime and public backlash.
How much money did Henry Ruggs lose?
Ruggs lost approximately $100-150 million in potential career earnings, plus his remaining guaranteed contract money and all endorsement opportunities.
What happened to Tina Tintor?
Tina Tintor died in the burning vehicle after Ruggs crashed into her car at 127 mph. She was 23 years old and worked as a processing coordinator.
Conclusion
The story of Henry Ruggs’ net worth serves as a cautionary tale about responsibility and consequences. From a $16.67 million NFL contract to financial ruin, Ruggs experienced one of sports’ most dramatic downfalls. His decisions on November 2, 2021, destroyed not only his career but also his wealth, freedom, and reputation. The tragedy extends far beyond finances, as an innocent woman and her pet lost their lives.
Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025 reflects complete financial devastation. Legal fees, lost earnings, and pending civil judgments have eliminated his wealth. The former first-round pick now faces years of imprisonment and a lifetime of financial obligations. His story demonstrates how quickly success can vanish through reckless choices. The human cost—Tina Tintor’s death—far exceeds any financial calculation and represents the true tragedy of this situation.
