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Henry Ruggs III’s financial story represents one of the most dramatic falls in recent NFL history. The former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver went from signing a massive rookie contract to losing millions after a fatal DUI crash that ended his career and led to imprisonment.
Current Net Worth and Financial Status
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs III’s net worth sits at approximately $4 million according to Celebrity Net Worth estimates. This figure represents a significant decline from what could have been a career worth tens of millions had his NFL trajectory continued uninterrupted.
The 26-year-old former Alabama star now earns roughly $2.50 per hour through Nevada’s community trustee inmate program, working in government offices while serving his sentence at Casa Grande Transitional Housing near Las Vegas.
The $16.67 Million Contract That Changed Everything
Initial Raiders Deal
In July 2020, Ruggs signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $16.67 million with the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal included:
- $9.68 million signing bonus
- Fifth-year team option
- Average annual value of $4 million
- Base salary of $607,911 in his second season
Contract Termination and Financial Consequences
Following the November 2021 fatal crash, the Raiders immediately released Ruggs and voided his contract. The team clawed back approximately $6 million, leaving Ruggs with roughly $4.73 million received (about $2.85 million after taxes).
Raiders owner Mark Davis stated after the release: “We released Henry Ruggs, the football player. Henry Ruggs is still a Raider alumnus, and somebody that we want to help. We’ll be there for him.”
The Fatal Crash That Ended Everything
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was driving 156 mph under the influence when he crashed into a Toyota RAV4 in Las Vegas, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. In August 2023, he was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular killing.
During sentencing, Ruggs apologized, saying: “I sincerely apologize, I have no excuse… My actions are not a true reflection of me.”
Lost Endorsement Deals and Sponsorships
Adidas Partnership
Ruggs had signed with Adidas in March 2020, shortly after recording a blazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The sportswear giant launched a campaign with the tagline “Only the fastest join the three stripes,” capitalizing on his elite speed.
Following the crash, Adidas and other sponsors immediately terminated their relationships with Ruggs, eliminating a significant income stream that could have provided millions over his career.
Brief but Promising NFL Career
In just 20 NFL games with the Raiders, Ruggs accumulated:
- 1,197 all-purpose yards
- 4 total touchdowns
- 50 receptions for 921 yards
His former teammate Josh Jacobs reflected on the situation during a 2025 Pivot podcast appearance: “He is the breadwinner of the family… He has never, never been in trouble. I’ve never seen him do anything crazy… he was just one of the guys that had a very, very unfortunate situation.”
Personal Background and Early Promise
Born January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama, Ruggs starred at Robert E. Lee High School before becoming a standout at the University of Alabama. Standing 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, he possessed the rare combination of size and speed that made him the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ruggs is in a relationship with Kiara Kilgo-Washington, and they have one child together. His family has faced significant financial strain since his incarceration, as he was the primary breadwinner.
Current Situation and Future Prospects
Prison Life and Rehabilitation
Reports indicate Ruggs maintains a daily training regimen while incarcerated and remains hopeful for a potential NFL comeback. He’s serving his sentence at a transitional housing facility, suggesting he’s working toward reintegration into society.
Parole Eligibility
Ruggs will become eligible for parole in 2026, though any return to professional football would face significant obstacles given his criminal conviction and the time away from the sport.
Financial Recovery Challenges
The path to financial recovery faces several obstacles:
- Legal expenses: Ongoing costs related to his criminal case and civil litigation
- Limited earning potential: Severely restricted income while incarcerated
- Asset liquidation: Likely need to sell personal assets to cover expenses
- Future employment: Difficulty securing high-paying positions with a felony conviction
Lessons from a Cautionary Tale
Henry Ruggs III’s story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in professional sports. His case highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the far-reaching consequences of impaired driving.
The financial impact extends beyond just lost NFL earnings – the ripple effects include destroyed endorsement opportunities, legal costs, and the challenge of rebuilding a career and reputation after such a tragic incident.
While Ruggs retains millionaire status on paper, his current situation represents one of the most dramatic financial and personal reversals in recent sports history, transforming a promising young athlete into a cautionary tale about the consequences of poor decision-making.
Image credit: By Erik Drost – https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrost88/51249109907/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114360642