Henry Ruggs Net Worth 2026: Updated Wealth After Prison

Henry Ruggs III’s financial story is one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent NFL history. Once a promising first-round pick for the Las Vegas Raiders with a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $16.67 million. 

Ruggs earned over $11 million in his brief professional career before a devastating DUI crash in November 2021 ended his playing days and triggered severe legal, contractual, and personal consequences. By 2026, Ruggs’ net worth has shrunk considerably from what it might have been had his football career continued uninterrupted. 

Henry Ruggs Profile Summary

DetailInformation
Full NameHenry James Ruggs III
Date of BirthJanuary 24, 1999
Age27 years old (as of 2026)
BirthplaceMontgomery, Alabama, USA
Height5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
Weight190 lbs (86 kg)
PositionWide Receiver (Former)
CollegeUniversity of Alabama
NFL Draft2020, Round 1, Pick 12
Former TeamLas Vegas Raiders
Net Worth (2026)-$500,000 to $0

Who is Henry Ruggs?

Henry Ruggs III is a former NFL wide receiver. He played for the Las Vegas Raiders. He was selected 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. That made him the first wide receiver taken in that draft class.

He grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. From a young age, he showed incredible athletic ability. His speed was his greatest gift. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds at the NFL Combine.

He attended the University of Alabama. He played under head coach Nick Saban. He was part of a national championship team in 2017. He was considered one of the best deep-threat receivers in college football.

His NFL career started with massive promise. He signed a lucrative rookie contract. Fans and analysts predicted a long and successful career. None of that came to pass.

On November 2, 2021, Ruggs drove drunk at 156 miles per hour. He crashed into a vehicle driven by Tina Tintor. She died in the crash. Her dog also died. His life and hers were changed in an instant — but only he survived.

Henry Ruggs Net Worth

Henry Ruggs net worth in 2026 is estimated between -$500,000 and $0. His finances have been completely destroyed. What once looked like a multi-million dollar future is now a pile of debt.

Before the accident, his net worth was around $3 to $4 million. His rookie contract with the Raiders was worth $16.67 million over four years. His signing bonus alone was approximately $9.68 million guaranteed.

After the accident, the Raiders cut him immediately. His remaining contract salary was lost. Legal defense costs consumed huge portions of his savings. Civil lawsuits from the victim’s family added more financial pressure.

Experts believe his debt will last for years. He owes restitution. He faces civil judgment claims. His earning potential is essentially zero. The NFL will never take him back.

Henry Ruggs Early Life and Education

Henry Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in a tough environment. His community was not wealthy. But he had drive and natural talent.

He attended Robert E. Lee High School. There, he was a standout athlete in both football and track. Recruiters from top programs across the country came to watch him. Everyone wanted him on their team.

During his teenage years, he lost a close friend named Rod Scott. That loss hit him hard. It became a source of motivation. He would later honor Scott by doing his signature touchdown celebration gesture.

He committed to the University of Alabama in 2017. He chose Alabama over Auburn, which surprised some people. He played for the Crimson Tide for three seasons. He developed into a consensus All-American wide receiver by 2019.

His college career prepared him for the NFL. He had the speed, the hands, and the instincts. Everything pointed to a long professional career.

Family and Personal Life

Henry Ruggs comes from a close family in Alabama. His parents supported him from the beginning. They attended his games and celebrated his successes. Family always mattered deeply to him.

His hometown of Montgomery backed him during his rise. The community was proud of his achievements. He represented hope and success for many people who knew him.

After the accident, his family faced enormous pain. They attended court hearings. They supported him throughout the legal process. It was not easy for anyone involved.

The Ruggs family has remained mostly private since the tragedy. They have not spoken extensively in public. Their focus has been on supporting Henry while acknowledging the devastation he caused.

Henry Ruggs Relationship Status

Henry Ruggs is in a long-term relationship with Rudy Washington. They have been together since they were teenagers. Their bond has lasted through both happy and extremely difficult times.

They have a daughter together named Kenzli Re’Nai Ruggs. She was born before the fatal crash. Tragically, she was in the vehicle on the night of the accident. She survived but the experience was traumatic.

Rudy Washington has stood by Henry throughout his legal troubles. She has appeared at court hearings. She has continued to support him through his incarceration.

Their relationship faces enormous challenges. Henry is in prison. Raising their daughter without him has been difficult. The future of their relationship remains uncertain.

Henry Ruggs Physical Appearance

FeatureDetails
Height5 feet 11 inches
Weight190 lbs (playing weight)
BuildAthletic, muscular
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorDark Brown
40-Yard Dash4.27 seconds

Henry Ruggs was physically built for speed. He had a lean but strong athletic frame. His body was maintained through elite NFL training programs. He was among the fastest humans on a football field.

Prison life has likely changed his physical condition. He no longer has access to professional training facilities. Elite nutrition and recovery resources are gone. His body has probably changed significantly since his playing days.

Henry Ruggs Career Journey

Henry Ruggs started making headlines in high school. He dominated opponents on the football field and the track. His speed was already at a different level from other players his age.

At Alabama, he played alongside future NFL stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts. He contributed to a national championship in his freshman year. He grew into one of the top receivers in the entire country.

The Raiders selected him 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the first wide receiver off the board that year. The pick came with high expectations and massive financial rewards.

His NFL career lasted just 20 games. He recorded 50 receptions, 921 yards, and 4 touchdowns. He showed flashes of brilliance. But his career ended before it ever truly began.

Rise to Fame

Henry Ruggs first gained national attention at Alabama. Playing for Nick Saban put him in the spotlight. Championship games and big performances raised his profile every season.

The 2020 NFL Draft was the peak of his rise. Being taken in the first round validated everything he had worked for. Media coverage exploded as he joined the Raiders organization.

His highlight-reel speed made him a fan favorite. Social media amplified his fame among younger audiences. Endorsement opportunities began appearing. His brand was growing.

Then came November 2021. Everything stopped. The fame disappeared. The endorsements vanished. The only coverage that followed was about the crash.

Henry Ruggs Awards and Achievements

College Achievements:

  • CFP National Champion (2017)
  • SEC Champion (2018)
  • Second-team All-SEC (2019)
  • Consensus All-American (2019)

NFL Recognition:

  • First-round draft pick, 12th overall (2020)
  • Fastest player in his draft class
  • Multiple game-winning touchdowns in his rookie season

These achievements represent what could have been a legendary career. He had everything needed to become an elite receiver. These awards now serve as reminders of wasted potential and irreversible choices.

Notable Works

Henry Ruggs produced several memorable moments during his brief career. His most impressive plays came at Alabama. His deep-threat ability forced opposing defenses to completely change their game plans.

In the NFL, he recorded a game-winning touchdown against the New York Jets. His speed forced safeties to play further back. His presence alone stretched the field for his teammates.

But his most notable moment became the worst night of his life. The crash on November 2, 2021 erased everything that came before it. It is now the defining event of his story.

Henry Ruggs Hobbies

Before his incarceration, Henry had a wide range of interests outside football. He loved spending time with his daughter. He enjoyed staying close to friends from back home in Alabama.

Previous Interests:

  • Playing video games, especially sports titles
  • Collecting luxury vehicles and cars
  • Training and maintaining peak physical condition
  • Following other sports, especially basketball

Prison life has drastically limited all of these hobbies. He no longer has access to the things he once enjoyed. His daily routine is now controlled entirely by the correctional facility.

Henry Ruggs Fun Facts

  • He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds at the NFL Combine
  • He chose jersey number 11 to honor his late friend Rod Scott
  • He was teammates with Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama
  • His college nickname was “Ruggsy”
  • He originally committed to Auburn before switching to Alabama
  • He was considered the fastest player in the entire 2020 NFL Draft class
  • His touchdown celebration gesture was a tribute to his deceased childhood friend.

Henry Ruggs Future Plan and Goals

Henry Ruggs is currently serving a prison sentence of 3 to 10 years in Nevada. His release is not guaranteed on any fixed date. Parole eligibility began around 2024, though serving longer is possible.

His NFL career is finished. No team will sign a player convicted of vehicular homicide while drunk driving. That door has permanently closed.

After release, he will face an incredibly difficult path. Finding employment will be hard. The stigma of his conviction will follow him everywhere. Rebuilding his finances will take many years.

Some former athletes in similar situations have turned toward advocacy work. Drunk driving prevention campaigns sometimes involve people who have experienced the consequences firsthand. Whether Ruggs takes that path remains unknown.

His most important challenge will be rebuilding as a father. His daughter is growing up without him. Being present in her life after release will require real commitment.

Henry Ruggs Assets and Investments

Henry Ruggs’ assets have been nearly completely wiped out. Legal fees consumed massive amounts of his savings. Contract termination cut off his income instantly.

Former Assets:

  • Luxury vehicle collection (likely repossessed or sold)
  • Real estate holdings in Las Vegas (status unclear)
  • Jewelry and personal items
  • Investment accounts (likely liquidated)

His signing bonus money was spent before it could be recovered. Civil lawsuits place claims on any remaining resources. There is little left to protect.

Current asset value is estimated at zero or negative. Financial obligations far exceed available funds. Recovery will be nearly impossible for years after release.

NFL Contract Termination and Financial Loss

The Raiders terminated Henry Ruggs’ contract the morning after the accident. They had no choice. His behavior violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy completely.

Financial Impact of Termination:

  • Loss of base salary for the 2021 season ($1.6 million)
  • Forfeiture of all future contract years
  • Loss of performance and roster bonuses
  • Elimination of NFL pension accrual
  • No access to NFL benefits going forward

His future earning potential had been estimated at $50 to $100 million over a full career. That entire financial trajectory was eliminated in one night.

The guaranteed money he had already received became subject to legal claims. What little he had saved quickly disappeared into legal fees and settlements.

Legal Expenses and Civil Settlements

Henry Ruggs faced enormous legal costs defending himself against serious criminal charges. High-profile defense attorneys are expensive. His legal team’s fees likely exceeded $500,000 to $1 million.

He ultimately pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter. The plea avoided a full trial but still resulted in significant prison time. His sentencing took place in 2023.

Civil lawsuits from the Tintor family represent ongoing financial obligations. These suits seek damages for wrongful death and lasting suffering. Settlements or judgments could reach millions of dollars.

Legal Financial Burdens:

  • Criminal defense attorney fees
  • Civil lawsuit settlements and judgments
  • Court costs and administrative fees
  • Ongoing restitution payments
  • Future legal representation costs

Tina Tintor’s family deserves full compensation for their loss. Any current or future assets Ruggs holds may be subject to their claims. His financial recovery is extremely unlikely given these obligations.

Lifestyle Before and After Accident

Before the crash, Henry Ruggs lived the life of a young NFL star. He owned luxury vehicles. He lived comfortably in Las Vegas. He provided for his family and supported people close to him.

Previous Lifestyle:

  • Luxury vehicle collection including a Corvette
  • Upscale housing in Las Vegas
  • Designer clothing and high-end accessories
  • Travel and entertainment
  • Financial support for family members

Today, his life looks nothing like that. He lives inside a Nevada state correctional facility. His daily routine is entirely controlled by the prison system. He has almost no personal freedom.

His daughter is growing up without a father at home. Family visits are limited and supervised. The lifestyle he could have given his family is no longer possible.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The accident generated immediate national attention. The sports world was shocked. Tina Tintor was an innocent woman who died senselessly. The public reacted with grief and anger.

Details of the crash were disturbing. He was driving 156 miles per hour. He was intoxicated. Tintor burned to death in her vehicle. These facts made the tragedy even harder to process.

Media Coverage Themes:

  • The high-speed crash and its graphic details
  • Tina Tintor’s life and background
  • NFL accountability and player responsibility
  • Drunk driving awareness campaigns
  • Impact on the Raiders organization

Social media reactions ranged from sympathy to outrage. Most people focused on the victim rather than the player. The conversation highlighted issues of privilege, accountability, and poor decision-making.

Former teammates expressed deep disappointment. The Alabama community felt a sense of betrayal. His legacy shifted permanently from athletic promise to cautionary warning.

Henry Ruggs Social Media

Henry Ruggs had an active social media presence before the accident. He shared highlights, family moments, and personal updates. He connected with fans regularly online.

Previous Social Media Activity:

  • Instagram posts featuring football highlights and family
  • Twitter/X engagement with fans and teammates
  • Posts featuring his daughter Kenzli
  • Promotional content for sponsors

All of that is now silent. His accounts were deactivated or made private after the accident. He has no ability to post from prison. He cannot control his own narrative.

His digital footprint exists only as archived content. Old posts serve as reminders of a former life. News coverage and court documents now tell his story.

Conclusion

Henry Ruggs’ story is one of the most dramatic falls from grace in recent NFL history. He had everything. Speed. Talent. Money. A young family. A future full of promise. He threw it all away in a single moment.

His net worth in 2026 sits at approximately negative $500,000 to zero. The financial destruction is severe and likely long-lasting. Legal debts, civil claims, and lost earning potential have left him with nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2026?

His net worth is estimated between -$500,000 and $0 due to legal costs, civil lawsuits, and contract termination.

How long is Henry Ruggs in prison?

He is serving a sentence of 3 to 10 years in a Nevada state prison after pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death.

What was Henry Ruggs’ NFL contract worth?

His rookie contract was worth approximately $16.67 million over four years, including $9.68 million guaranteed.

Is Henry Ruggs still in the NFL?

No. The Las Vegas Raiders cut him immediately after the fatal accident in November 2021. He will likely never play in the NFL again.

What happened in Henry Ruggs’ accident?

He drove 156 mph while drunk and crashed into Tina Tintor’s vehicle, killing her and her dog on November 2, 2021.

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