Henry Ruggs III, once celebrated as one of the fastest and most promising wide receivers in the NFL, saw his career abruptly halted due to a tragic incident in 2021. As a first-round pick with a multi-million-dollar contract, Ruggs was poised for financial success. However, following legal battles and other consequences, questions about Henry Ruggs net worth have surfaced. In this article, we delve deep into his career earnings, financial losses, and current net worth.
Early Life and NFL Career Beginnings
Born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama, Henry Ruggs showed exceptional athletic ability from an early age. He excelled in both football and track during high school and later starred at the University of Alabama, where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to significant victories.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs was selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, making him the first wide receiver taken that year. His rookie contract was a four-year deal worth $16.67 million, fully guaranteed, including a $9.6 million signing bonus.
Key Details:
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Drafted: 2020 NFL Draft, 1st round, 12th pick
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Team: Las Vegas Raiders
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Contract Value: $16.67 million
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Signing Bonus: $9.6 million (guaranteed)
At the start of his career, Ruggs’ earnings placed him among the promising young millionaires of the NFL.
Financial Rise and Endorsements
Aside from his rookie contract, Ruggs had the potential to earn millions more through endorsements. Brands often seek young, marketable athletes like Ruggs, and he was already beginning to build his profile outside the football field.
Though exact figures from endorsements were not publicly disclosed, it is believed he signed minor deals that added to his growing wealth. Had his career continued without interruption, experts projected Ruggs could have earned tens of millions over a decade through contracts and sponsorships.
The Legal Troubles and Fallout
In November 2021, Henry Ruggs was involved in a tragic DUI accident that resulted in the death of a young woman and her dog. The consequences were swift and severe:
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Ruggs was released by the Raiders just hours after the incident.
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He faced multiple felony charges.
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Public and brand perception plummeted.
Following legal proceedings, Ruggs ultimately accepted a plea deal in 2023, resulting in a sentence of 3 to 10 years in prison.
Financially, the impact was devastating. The Raiders voided parts of his contract, particularly the unpaid portions of his base salary. Endorsement deals were also pulled or terminated, further impacting his income stream.
Current Estimate of Henry Ruggs Net Worth
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
This figure accounts for:
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His initial signing bonus ($9.6 million) and partial salaries earned during his tenure with the Raiders.
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Legal fees, settlements, and other expenses substantially reduced his net worth.
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Loss of future earnings potential, both from NFL salaries and endorsement deals.
Without ongoing income and faced with substantial legal costs, Ruggs’ financial situation is a far cry from the trajectory he was once on.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Contract | $16.67 million (4 years, fully guaranteed) |
| Signing Bonus | $9.6 million |
| Current Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $1 million |
| Primary Losses | Legal fees, settlements, voided salary |
Future Financial Outlook
Currently serving time in prison, Henry Ruggs has limited opportunities to earn money. However, there are some possibilities for a financial rebound after his release:
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Public Speaking or Advocacy: Post-prison, Ruggs could potentially work in advocacy against drunk driving or telling his story, although this would depend heavily on public reception.
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Book Deals or Media Opportunities: There may be interest from publishers or media companies in his story, offering another income stream.
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Career in Coaching: While a return to professional football is highly unlikely, Ruggs could pivot to coaching, mentoring, or other football-related careers if accepted back into the sports community.
Still, his financial ceiling will likely remain far lower than what it would have been without the 2021 incident.
FAQs About Henry Ruggs Net Worth
What was Henry Ruggs’ salary with the Raiders?
Henry Ruggs signed a four-year, $16.67 million rookie contract with the Raiders, with a guaranteed $9.6 million signing bonus. He earned a portion of his base salary before his release in 2021.
How much money did Henry Ruggs lose after his legal troubles?
Ruggs lost millions of dollars due to the Raiders voiding the remaining years of his contract and the termination of endorsement deals. Legal fees and settlements also contributed heavily to the depletion of his wealth.
Can Henry Ruggs play in the NFL again?
Given his criminal record and the time he will spend incarcerated, it is highly unlikely that Ruggs will return to the NFL. Teams would likely face public backlash for signing him.
Does Henry Ruggs have any income while in prison?
No public reports are suggesting that Ruggs has any significant income while serving his sentence.
What could Henry Ruggs do to rebuild his finances after prison?
Potential avenues include public speaking, writing a memoir, working in advocacy or community service, or possibly pursuing a career in coaching or sports mentoring.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ net worth is a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can change. Once a rising NFL star with millions at his fingertips, Ruggs now faces a vastly different future, both personally and financially. His estimated net worth of $1 million in 2025 reflects not only his early success but also the heavy costs of a tragic mistake. While financial recovery is possible post-prison, it will depend largely on his ability to rebuild his public image and find new, meaningful opportunities. See More
