Henry Ruggs III was formerly a young star in the NFL and he possessed an amazing speed and a big-play capability. He was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and his future was bright.

However, in November 2021 everything changed when a tragic decision was made. In this piece, we shall get an insight of the life of Ruggs, his early days in the NFL, his career and the earnings, and the DUI accident that shook him to the core of his being.

Who Is Henry Ruggs?

Henry James Ruggs III was born on 24 th January 1999 in Montgomery Alabama. He attended the Robert E. Lee High School and excelled in football, basketball and track.

Ruggs was a student at the University of Alabama and he played football at Alabama, winning the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. His college years were notable in terms of high numbers because he got 98 receptions, 1,716 yards, and 24 goals in 3 seasons.

What Was Henry Ruggs’ NFL Career Like?

How Did Ruggs Start His NFL Journey?

Ruggs was drafted 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, the first wide receiver drafted that year. His speed was one of the highlights considering that he ran a 40-yard dash of 4.27 seconds, the fastest of all the prospects at the NFL Combine.

What Was His NFL Contract?

Ruggs had entered into a four-year fully guaranteed contract with the Raiders at 16.67 million dollars. This deal was valued at $ 9.68 million, which comprised a signing bonus of $116,626 and performance bonuses. He earned a salary of $610,000 in the 2020 season and in 2021, he made $607,912.

How Much Did He Earn In The NFL?

Ruggs made about 11 million dollars in his short career in the NFL. His income was also greatly affected due to legal costs and the way he was fired after the DUI event.

What Happened In The DUI Accident?

When Did The Accident Occur?

Ruggs was driving a Chevrolet Corvette at 156 mph on November 2, 2021, in Las Vegas when he hit a Toyota RAV4. The crash caused a fire that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.

What Were The Legal Consequences?

Ruggs was alleged to have driven under the influence, which caused the death. He was arrested by the Raiders and set free. In May 2023, he pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. On August 9, 2023, he was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison.

How Has The Accident Affected Ruggs’ Finances?

What Is His Net Worth Now?

As of 2025, estimates of Ruggs’ net worth vary. Some reports indicated that it is worth 4 million and other sources indicated that it could be as little as 1.5 million. This significant decrease can be explained by the economic effect of litigation costs, loss of his sponsors and the discontinuation of his contract in the NBA.

How Much Money Did He Lose?

Ruggs forfeited his 16.67 million deal with the Raiders and about the signing bonus of 6 million dollars was refunded. He only had about 2.85 million dollars of his initial deal after taxes and legal fees.

What Is Henry Ruggs Doing Now?

Where Is He Serving His Sentence?

Ruggs is currently serving his sentence at a northern Nevada prison camp. He is participating in the community trustee inmate program, working at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion and earning $2.50 per hour.

Will He Be Released Early?

Ruggs could be released on parole in August 2026, once the minimum of three years is served. The decision may be based on his good behavior and involvement in prison programs to get parole.

Can Henry Ruggs Return To The NFL?

Although Ruggs has shown repentance over what he did, the assumption of his re-entry into the NFL is highly inconclusive. It is difficult to make a comeback because of the seriousness of his crime and the opinion of the society surrounding him. Nonetheless, there are reports of some of his former teammates that he is still training and is hoping to have a second opportunity.

What Is Henry Ruggs’ Family Situation?

Who Is His Wife?

Ruggs has a long-time relationship with Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington who he met in high school. They both have a daughter. After the incident, Kiara has remained low profile and her location and activities are not publicized.

Does He Have Any Siblings?

Ruggs has a brother Kevontae Ruggs and also plays football. Kevontae has been enrolled in East Mississippi Community College and has shown his brother support in these trying times.

Wrap Up

The story of Henry Ruggs is a bitter lesson of how life may change so fast. His life is a prime example of how both responsibility and the consequences of actions can reach far away, as his successful NFL career was turned into a prison sentence. Although his finances are in a very bad state, the story of Ruggs is not a money story but a story of responsibility, redemption and the potential of change.