Henry Ruggs III was once viewed as one of the most explosive wide receivers to enter the NFL. Known for elite speed and big-play ability, his football career took a dramatic turn after a fatal car crash in 2021. Since then, public interest has shifted from on-field performance to legal outcomes, financial losses, and his current status.
This article covers Henry Ruggs’ football journey, earnings, net worth, legal consequences, and where things stand today in 2026.
Who Is Henry Ruggs?
Henry Ruggs III is a former American professional football player who played wide receiver in the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders and was considered a cornerstone of the team’s offense due to his speed and vertical threat ability.
Henry Ruggs Early Life
Henry Ruggs was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in a sports-oriented environment and attended Robert E. Lee High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. His speed became evident early, setting the foundation for his future as a wide receiver.
Henry Ruggs Age, Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Henry Ruggs III |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1999 |
| Age (2026) | 27 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 188 lbs |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.27 seconds |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| College | University of Alabama |
| NFL Draft | 2020, Round 1 (12th overall) |
Henry Ruggs College Football Career at Alabama
Ruggs played college football at the University of Alabama under coach Nick Saban. He was part of a historically talented receiving group that included multiple future NFL players. While he was not always the most targeted receiver, his efficiency and ability to stretch defenses stood out.
During his college career, Ruggs won a national championship and developed a reputation as a reliable deep threat rather than a high-volume possession receiver.
Henry Ruggs NFL Draft Details and Rookie Contract
Henry Ruggs was selected 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. He became the first wide receiver taken that year, signaling the team’s belief in his upside.
His rookie contract was a four-year deal worth approximately $16.7 million, fully guaranteed, including a signing bonus of over $9 million.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth Overview
| Category | Estimated Amount |
| Peak Net Worth (2021) | $5–7 million |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Under $1 million |
| NFL Contract Value | ~$16.7 million |
| Signing Bonus | ~$9 million |
| Endorsement Earnings | Limited, discontinued |
| Primary Income Source | NFL salary (former) |
| Current Income | None publicly reported |
Henry Ruggs Professional Career
Ruggs played two seasons with the Raiders. While his raw statistics were modest, his presence affected defenses by forcing coverage adjustments. His development was ongoing, and many analysts believed his best years were still ahead.
Teams Henry Ruggs Played For in the NFL
- Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021)
He did not play for any other NFL teams.
Henry Ruggs Career Stats, Highlights, and Performance Analysis
NFL Career Statistics (Regular Season)
| Category | Total |
| Seasons Played | 2 (2020–2021) |
| Games Played | 20 |
| Receptions | 50 |
| Receiving Yards | 921 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 4 |
| Yards per Reception | 18.4 |
| Longest Reception | 61 yards |
| Targets | 82 |
Season-by-Season Breakdown
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
| 2020 | Las Vegas Raiders | 13 | 26 | 452 | 2 |
| 2021 | Las Vegas Raiders | 7 | 24 | 469 | 2 |
Performance & Impact Analysis
| Aspect | Evaluation |
| Primary Role | Deep-threat wide receiver |
| Speed Impact | Forced safety help and coverage shifts |
| Usage | Lower volume, high yards per catch |
| Strengths | Straight-line speed, separation on deep routes |
| Limitations | Route tree depth, consistency, injuries |
| Development Trend | Showing improvement in 2021 before incident |
Career Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
| NFL Draft Position | 12th overall (2020) |
| First NFL TD | Week 5, 2020 |
| Best Single Game | 113 yards vs. Kansas City (2021) |
| College Achievement | National Champion at Alabama |
| Notable Skill | One of fastest players in NFL during tenure |
Ruggs’ statistical output did not reflect his perceived impact. Defenses consistently adjusted coverage because of his speed, which created space for teammates. His career ended before long-term development could be evaluated.
Henry Ruggs Accident and Controversy
In November 2021, Ruggs was involved in a high-speed car crash in Las Vegas that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old woman and her dog. He was found to be driving under the influence at an extremely high speed.
The incident immediately ended his NFL career and triggered criminal charges, public backlash, and the termination of his contract.
What Happened to Henry Ruggs After the Incident?
Following the crash, the Raiders released Ruggs within hours. He was taken into custody, later released on bail, and entered a prolonged legal process that received national media coverage.
During this time, Ruggs remained out of the public eye and did not participate in any professional football activities.
Legal Fallout & Financial Fallout
Ruggs ultimately pleaded guilty to felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. In 2023, he was sentenced to prison.
Financially, the consequences were severe:
- Loss of remaining guaranteed salary
- Termination of endorsement deals
- Long-term damage to earning potential
Henry Ruggs Prison Sentence and Current Legal Status
Henry Ruggs was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in Nevada state prison. As of 2025, he remains incarcerated, with eligibility for parole depending on behavior and legal conditions.
Where Does His Net Worth Stand in 2025?
As of 2025, his net worth is significantly lower. Legal fees, lost income, and the absence of new earnings have reduced his overall financial standing. Estimates vary, but most place his current net worth well below his initial career peak.
What Is the Breakdown of All of Henry Ruggs’ Career Earnings?
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Factors Affecting Net Worth |
| 2022 | $4–5 million | Retained signing bonus, partial rookie salary already paid, endorsements terminated |
| 2023 | $2–3 million | Ongoing legal fees, no new income, plea agreement and sentencing |
| 2024 | $1–1.5 million | Continued incarceration, legal costs, asset depletion |
| 2025 | Under $1 million | No active income, long-term financial obligations, prison sentence ongoing |
- Most of Ruggs’ earnings came early in his NFL career, especially from his signing bonus.
- Loss of remaining guaranteed salary and endorsements caused a sharp decline after 2021.
- Legal expenses and lack of income significantly reduced his net worth year over year.
- Estimates vary due to private asset management and undisclosed settlements.
How Much Money Has Henry Ruggs Earned From Endorsements and Sponsorships?
Henry Ruggs net worth is estimated to be $5 million. Henry has earned his money by being an American football player wide receiver. In 2020, he was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders in a deal is estimated to be worth $16.76 million plus a signing bonus of $9,684,820 million.
Henry made about $11 million in his two-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders. That included an estimated $10.4 million in revenue in 2020 and $607,911 in the 2021 season.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Public response was largely critical, with discussions focusing on accountability, DUI awareness, and athlete responsibility. Media coverage shifted from football analysis to legal updates and victim advocacy.
How the Henry Ruggs Case Impacted the NFL
The case renewed league conversations around:
- Player conduct policies
- Alcohol education programs
- Team responsibility off the field
Several teams publicly reinforced their internal policies following the incident.
Could Henry Ruggs Ever Return to Professional Football?
While technically not banned by the NFL, a return is widely viewed as unrealistic due to legal, ethical, and public perception factors. There is no indication of any team interest.
Henry Ruggs Today: Where He Is Now in 2025
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs is serving his prison sentence in Nevada. He has not made public statements or appearances, and there are no known plans related to football, media, or business ventures.
Henry Ruggs Wife
Henry Ruggs is not married, but he is in a long-term relationship with Kiara Je’Nai Kilgo-Washington, also known as Rudy Washington. The couple has a daughter named Kenzli Re’Nai, who was born on May 7, 2020. Kiara is a digital content creator, social media influencer, and former athlete who played volleyball in high school and college. She was also a passenger in the vehicle during the fatal accident in 2021 and sustained an arm injury.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth After Accident
As of 2025, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, which represents a significant decline from his earlier financial heights. The Raiders terminated his contract and clawed back approximately $6 million of his signing bonus following the fatal accident.
From his original $16.67 million contract, Ruggs received approximately $4.73 million, which after federal taxes netted around $2.85 million. Legal fees and lost endorsements have further reduced his wealth.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth 2025
In 2025, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million. This is a steep decline from his projected career earnings. While incarcerated, Ruggs works under Nevada’s inmate work program earning just $2.50 per hour, a dramatic shift from his NFL salary. His current net worth consists primarily of remaining savings from his brief NFL career, as he has lost all endorsement deals and future earning potential.
Henry Ruggs Contract
On July 21, 2020, Henry Ruggs signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $16.67 million with the Las Vegas Raiders, which included a fifth-year team option. The contract included a signing bonus of $9.68 million. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and the first wide receiver selected that year. Following the November 2021 accident, the Raiders immediately voided his contract and recovered a substantial portion of the signing bonus.
Henry Ruggs Instagram
Henry Ruggs’ Instagram account is @ruggs_iii, which currently has 307,000 followers. However, as of 2025, there are no posts on his account. Before the accident, Kiara Kilgo-Washington was active on social media platforms including Instagram and YouTube, where she used to promote brands and share content about their life together.
Henry Ruggs Adidas Contract
Henry Ruggs’ contract with Adidas was announced in March 2020, shortly after he recorded a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Adidas launched a campaign with the tagline “Only the fastest join the three stripes” to celebrate his signing. Following the fatal accident, Adidas and other sponsors promptly cut ties with Ruggs. He also had endorsement deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, Panini America, and other brands, all of which were terminated after the incident.
Henry Ruggs House
Information about Henry Ruggs’ specific residential property is limited in public records. During the peak of his NFL career, he lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. As of December 2025, Ruggs has been transferred to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, a medium-security prison in northern Nevada. Previously, he was housed at Casa Grande Transitional Housing in Las Vegas and worked at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion in Carson City.
Henry Ruggs Release Date
Henry Ruggs will be eligible for parole in August 2026, specifically on August 5, 2026. He was sentenced in August 2023 to serve between three and ten years in prison for felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. His mandatory release date has been adjusted to October 18, 2027. The actual release date will depend on parole board decisions and his behavior while incarcerated.
Henry Ruggs Stats
NFL Career Stats (2020-2021):
- Games Played: 20
- Receptions: 50
- Receiving Yards: 921
- Touchdowns: 4
- All-Purpose Yards: 1,197
College Career Stats at Alabama (2017-2019):
- Total Receptions: 98
- Career Receiving Touchdowns: 24 (third on Alabama’s all-time leaderboard)
- He ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Combine, the fastest time that year and tied for fourth-fastest ever recorded at the event
Henry Ruggs Signing Bonus
Henry Ruggs received a signing bonus of $9.68 million as part of his four-year, $16.67 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. After the Raiders voided his contract following the fatal accident, the team clawed back approximately $6 million of the signing bonus. In total, Ruggs earned $11.02 million during his brief NFL career, including salary, bonuses, and incentives. The contract voiding meant he lost access to approximately 72% of his total guaranteed money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Ruggs
Is Henry Ruggs Still in Prison in 2025?
Yes. As of 2025, Henry Ruggs remains incarcerated in Nevada, serving a prison sentence related to his 2021 DUI crash that resulted in a fatality. His release depends on parole eligibility and prison regulations.
Did Henry Ruggs Lose His NFL Contract After the Incident?
Yes. The Las Vegas Raiders terminated Henry Ruggs’ contract immediately after the incident in November 2021. He did not receive the remaining salary from his rookie deal.
Can Henry Ruggs Appeal His Prison Sentence?
No. As part of his plea agreement, Henry Ruggs waived certain rights to appeal his conviction and sentence, which limits his legal options moving forward.
Is Henry Ruggs Officially Banned From the NFL?
No. Henry Ruggs is not formally banned by the NFL. However, given the seriousness of the offense, his prison sentence, and public perception, a return to professional football is considered highly unlikely.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ story is a stark reminder of how quickly a promising career can be derailed by poor decisions off the field. From a first-round NFL draft pick with elite speed and significant earning potential, his trajectory shifted dramatically after the 2021 fatal crash.
As of 2025, Ruggs remains incarcerated, his NFL career ended, and his financial situation severely impacted. While his athletic talent was undeniable, the consequences of his actions have permanently reshaped his life, serving as a cautionary example of accountability, responsibility, and the long-term impact of choices beyond the game.
Abraham is an experienced content writer with four years of expertise in covering celebrity stories and net worth topics. He now writes for infooceleb, where he focuses on creating clear, well-researched and engaging articles that give readers reliable insights.