Henry James Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in a family where sports were always a part of life. He attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery.
Ruggs did not begin playing football until his junior year, but he quickly became one of the most talented players on the field.
In high school, Ruggs showed his athletic ability in more than one sport. He played basketball, ran track, and eventually became a star football player. His track record included running the 100 meters in 10.58 seconds, which showed his incredible speed.
By the end of his high school football career, Ruggs had 38 catches for 639 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in only nine games.
His talent gained the attention of major college programs, and he decided to join the University of Alabama.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry James Ruggs III |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Montgomery, Alabama |
| High School | Robert E. Lee High School |
| College | University of Alabama (2017–2019) |
| NFL Team | Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021) |
| NFL Draft | 2020, Round 1, Pick 12 |
| Career Stats | 50 receptions, 921 yards, 4 TDs |
| Incident | DUI crash in 2021 |
| Sentence | 3–10 years in Nevada prison |
| Net Worth (2025) | About $4 million |
College Career
Henry Ruggs played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2019. In his freshman season, he caught 12 passes for 229 yards and scored six touchdowns. His ability to turn small plays into big gains quickly made him one of the most valuable receivers.
In his sophomore year in 2018, Ruggs increased his performance with 46 catches for 741 yards and 11 touchdowns. His speed and skills made him a reliable target for Alabama’s quarterbacks.
In his junior season in 2019, Ruggs had 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns. He also worked as a kick returner, averaging 23.8 yards per return. By the time he finished college, Ruggs had 24 career receiving touchdowns, ranking third in Alabama football history. After his junior year, he declared for the NFL Draft.
NFL Career
Henry Ruggs entered the 2020 NFL Draft and was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the first round. He became the first wide receiver chosen in that draft.
He signed a four-year contract worth $16.67 million, fully guaranteed, including a large signing bonus. In his rookie season, Ruggs played 13 games, starting 12 of them. He recorded 26 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns. His speed on deep routes gave the Raiders an explosive option on offense.
In 2021, Ruggs played in seven games before his career came to a sudden stop. During those games, he caught 24 passes for 469 yards and two touchdowns. His performance showed improvement from his first season, but his off-field actions ended his career early.
Tragic Incident and Legal Case
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a drunk driving crash in Las Vegas. Driving at high speed while under the influence, he collided with another car. The crash resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.
The Raiders released Ruggs the same day of the incident. The crash gained national attention and ended his NFL career after only two seasons.
In 2023, Henry Ruggs pled guilty to felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced to three to ten years in Nevada state prison. This sentence marked the official end of his career as a professional football player.
Net Worth of Henry Ruggs
Henry Ruggs earned significant income during his short NFL career. His rookie contract with the Raiders was valued at $16.67 million over four years. He received a signing bonus as part of the deal, which boosted his earnings.
Before the 2021 crash, Ruggs had already earned around $11 million from his salary and bonuses. However, after the incident, the Raiders voided parts of his contract and recovered a portion of his signing bonus.
As of 2025, Ruggs’ net worth is estimated at around $4 million. This figure is lower than earlier estimates of $5 million due to legal costs, loss of contract money, and financial consequences of the case. Even though he is no longer active in the NFL, his past earnings have left him with some wealth.
Career Earnings and Financial Impact
During his NFL career, Henry Ruggs played 20 games, starting 19 of them. He had 50 receptions, 921 receiving yards, 65 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. These stats reflect the short but impactful time he had in the league.
His career earnings came mainly from his guaranteed contract and endorsements he had at the time. But all business partnerships and opportunities ended after the 2021 crash.
The financial impact of his actions was severe. The Raiders moved quickly to cut him from the team, and his chances of returning to the league disappeared. His contract money was reduced, and his reputation suffered heavily.
Personal Life
Henry Ruggs grew up with strong family support. His childhood friend, Roderic Scott, who died in a car accident at age 17, inspired Ruggs to wear the number 11 in his honor. This gesture showed the emotional connection he carried throughout his career.
Before the 2021 crash, Ruggs lived a quiet life off the field. He was known to keep his personal life away from the spotlight. However, his involvement in the tragic accident changed the course of his personal and professional journey.
