Henry Ruggs Net Worth in 2025: From NFL Star to Prison Paychecks

Henry Ruggs was once one of the most exciting young stars in the NFL. He was fast, talented, and had a bright future ahead. In 2020, he signed a multi-million dollar contract and was already being called one of the league’s rising stars.

But everything changed in November 2021. A car crash turned his life upside down. Now in 2025, Henry Ruggs is no longer on the football field. Instead, he’s in prison — and his money story is just as shocking as his fall from fame.

In this article, we’ll walk you through his rise in the NFL, his earnings, the tragic accident, how much money he has left, and how Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025 is very different from what people expected.

Who Is Henry Ruggs?

Henry Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up loving sports and was great at football, basketball, and track. People noticed his speed early on — he was one of the fastest athletes in his school.

After high school, he went to the University of Alabama. That’s where things really took off. Ruggs played as a wide receiver and became one of the top players on the team. He helped Alabama win games and even played a big role in their 2018 national championship.

His speed, skills, and big plays made him a top NFL prospect. Everyone thought he would be a future star.

Ruggs’ Big NFL Break

In 2020, Henry Ruggs got the big break he had worked for. He was picked 12th overall in the NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a proud moment — for him, his family, and fans back in Alabama.

The Raiders gave him a huge deal: a four-year contract worth $16.67 million. This also included a signing bonus of $9.68 million. Just like that, Henry Ruggs became a millionaire.

On the field, he showed flashes of greatness. In just 20 games, he had over 1,100 receiving yards and scored 4 touchdowns. People were excited to see what he would do next. But sadly, he never got the chance to play a full career.

Henry Ruggs’ Net Worth Before the Crash

By late 2021, Henry Ruggs was doing well both on and off the field. Thanks to his big contract and fast rise, he had already earned over $11 million in total. He was living the dream.

Besides his NFL salary, Ruggs also had endorsement deals. The most famous one was with Adidas. They signed him right after he ran a blazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He even appeared in their “Only the fastest join the three stripes” campaign.

At that point, Henry Ruggs’ net worth was estimated to be around $4 to $5 million, and it could have grown much more if nothing had gone wrong.

The Crash That Ended His Career

Everything changed on November 2, 2021. Henry Ruggs was driving his Corvette at 156 miles per hour while under the influence of alcohol. He crashed into a Toyota RAV4, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. It was a heartbreaking tragedy.

The crash shocked everyone — fans, teammates, and people who looked up to him. He was arrested and charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving. The Las Vegas Raiders released him the same day.

That crash not only ended his NFL career, it also changed the course of his life forever.

How the Crash Hurt His Net Worth

After the crash, things moved fast — and not in a good way for Ruggs. The Raiders canceled his contract and took back a big part of his signing bonus. He lost around $6 million from his deal. He also had to pay huge legal fees and was dropped by all his sponsors.

Adidas, who once proudly promoted him, cut ties with him right after the crash. Other endorsements quietly disappeared too.

Ruggs also faced a long legal battle that cost him more money. Lawyers, settlements, and court fees started to pile up. The millions he once had were quickly going out the door.

Henry Ruggs Net Worth in 2025 (The Truth)

Now in 2025, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is very different from what it could have been. Instead of building wealth as an NFL star, he is serving time in prison.

According to updated reports, his net worth is estimated at around $4 million. While that’s still a lot of money for most people, it’s a big fall from the $20+ million he could’ve made over the years.

So how does he still have money left? He didn’t lose everything. Ruggs still kept a part of his bonus and salary before the crash. Also, Nevada has no state income tax, which helped him keep a bit more.

But that number may not stay high forever — and in the second half of this article, we’ll explain why.

Where Did His Money Go?

After the crash, Henry Ruggs didn’t just lose his job — he started losing money fast. He had to deal with serious legal trouble. That meant paying expensive lawyers, going to court, and handling any possible settlements.

Also, the Raiders took back a big chunk of his signing bonus. Reports say they clawed back around $6 million. So even though he had a $16 million contract, he didn’t get to keep most of it.

There were other costs too. Agents take a cut, taxes reduce income, and Ruggs had a lifestyle to support. Like many young stars, he was likely helping family members, buying cars, or spending money like someone who thought his career would last longer. But it didn’t.

Does Henry Ruggs Still Make Money?

You might wonder — does someone in prison still make any money?

The answer is yes, but it’s very little. Henry Ruggs is part of Nevada’s inmate work program, where prisoners can take part in jobs like working in state offices or maintenance.

Reports say he earns about $2.50 per hour. That’s a long way from NFL paychecks. In 2021, he was making over $600,000 in base salary — now, he makes just a few dollars a day.

Even though this money is small, it gives him something to do and a little income. It also shows that Ruggs is trying to stay busy, even behind bars.

Is There Any Chance of a Comeback?

Ruggs has not given up on life. While he is in prison, he reportedly trains every day. He’s working out, staying in shape, and hoping for a second chance someday.

He will be eligible for parole in 2026, depending on his behavior. If approved, he could be released early from his sentence.

Could he play football again? Maybe, but it’s hard to say. The NFL has moved on, and teams may not want the attention that comes with signing him. Still, some athletes have come back from serious legal trouble before. Ruggs might try to rebuild his life — even if it’s not on the field.

What Others Say About Henry Ruggs

People who knew Ruggs have spoken up about him. In a 2025 podcast interview, Josh Jacobs, his former teammate, shared how much the situation hurt him. He said Ruggs was never the kind of guy to get into trouble before. He called it a “very unfortunate situation.”

Even the Raiders’ owner, Mark Davis, said they still care about Ruggs as a person. He told reporters that while they released him as a player, he is still part of the Raider family.

Not everyone agrees, of course. Some people believe he should never get another chance. Others say he made a terrible mistake but is trying to do better. The opinions are mixed.

Henry Ruggs Net Worth FAQs (Fast Facts)

How much money did Henry Ruggs make in the NFL?

He earned around $11 million before his contract was canceled.

What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2025?

It’s about $4 million, though it was once expected to be much more.

Is Henry Ruggs still under contract?

No. The Raiders voided and ended his deal in 2021 after the crash.

How does Henry Ruggs earn money now?

He works in prison through an inmate program, making about $2.50 per hour.

When will Ruggs be released?

He could be eligible for parole in 2026, but it depends on good behavior and review.

Final Thoughts

Henry Ruggs’ story is a powerful reminder of how fast life can change. In just one year, he went from being a millionaire NFL star to a prison inmate earning $2.50 an hour.

His net worth in 2025 tells part of that story. From millions in contracts and endorsements to legal battles and prison work, it’s clear his path changed forever after the crash.

There’s still a long road ahead for Henry Ruggs. Whether he rebuilds his life or not, his story shows how one bad choice can change everything — no matter how much money or fame you have.

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