Introduction
Henry Ruggs III, the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver who was once the fastest player in the 2020 NFL Draft, now faces a drastically different reality as he serves time in a Nevada state prison. As of February 2026, Ruggs’ net worth has plummeted to an estimated $1.5 million to $4 million—a stark contrast to the tens of millions he could have earned during a full NFL career.
Recent developments in December 2025 saw Ruggs transferred from a minimum-security transitional housing facility to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, a medium-security prison in Carson City, marking his fourth transfer since sentencing. With parole eligibility approaching in August 2026, questions about his financial future and potential NFL return have resurfaced.
This comprehensive guide examines Henry Ruggs’ current net worth in 2026, his NFL earnings, the fatal DUI crash that ended his career, his prison status, and what lies ahead financially for the former first-round draft pick.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth 2026: Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Net Worth (2026) | $1.5 – $4 million |
| Peak Net Worth (2021) | $4 – $5 million |
| Total NFL Earnings | $11.02 million (gross) |
| Current Status | Incarcerated (Northern Nevada Correctional Center) |
| Parole Eligibility | August 5, 2026 |
| Age | 27 years old (Born January 24, 1999) |
| Prison Transfer | December 2025 (4th transfer since sentencing) |
| Current Income | Previously $2.50/hour (prison work program) |
What is Henry Ruggs’ Net Worth in 2026?
As of February 2026, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $4 million. This represents a dramatic decline from his peak earnings and reflects the devastating financial consequences of the 2021 fatal DUI crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.
The wide range in estimates stems from uncertainty around:
- Legal settlement amounts with the victim’s family
- Asset liquidation to cover legal fees
- Ongoing legal expenses and restitution payments
- Lost endorsement income from terminated brand deals
Net Worth Breakdown (2026)
| Financial Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| NFL Contract Received | $4.73 million |
| Contract Clawed Back | -$6 million |
| After-Tax Earnings | ~$2.85 million |
| Legal Fees & Defense | -$1-2 million estimated |
| Civil Settlements | Unknown (confidential) |
| Lost Endorsements (2021-2026) | -$2.5 million+ |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5-4 million |
Recent Developments: December 2025 Prison Transfer
In a significant development, Ruggs was transferred in December 2025 from Casa Grande Transitional Housing in Las Vegas to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City—a medium-security facility housing over 1,600 inmates. This marks his fourth prison transfer since his August 2023 sentencing.
Why Was Ruggs Transferred?
While the Nevada Department of Corrections hasn’t disclosed specific reasons, a spokesperson indicated that transfers typically occur when inmates commit infractions. According to prison officials, “an offender who commits infractions while at a lower-level custody, depending on the nature and severity, could be reverted back to a higher level of custody.”
Previous Prison Locations:
- High Desert State Prison (Initial placement – August 2023)
- Stewart Conservation Camp (September 2023)
- Casa Grande Transitional Housing (November 2024 – December 2025)
- Northern Nevada Correctional Center (December 2025 – Present)
From Alabama Star to NFL First-Round Pick
The Crimson Tide Years (2017-2019)
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Ruggs became a standout at the University of Alabama, where his elite speed and playmaking ability made him one of college football’s most explosive receivers.
Key College Achievements:
- 2018 College Football Playoff National Champion
- 2019 SEC Offensive Player of the Year
- 4.27-second 40-yard dash at 2020 NFL Combine (fastest that year)
- 24 career touchdown receptions (3rd all-time at Alabama)
- Completed bachelor’s degree in December 2025 with 4.0 GPA while incarcerated
College Statistics
| Season | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Yards/Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 14 | 12 | 229 | 6 | 19.1 |
| 2018 | 15 | 46 | 741 | 11 | 16.1 |
| 2019 | 13 | 40 | 746 | 7 | 18.6 |
| Total | 42 | 98 | 1,716 | 24 | 17.5 |
The $16.67 Million NFL Contract That Vanished
2020 NFL Draft: First Wide Receiver Taken
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Ruggs with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, making him the first wide receiver chosen. On July 21, 2020, he signed what appeared to be a life-changing contract:
Original Contract Terms
| Contract Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Value | $16.67 million |
| Length | 4 years (fully guaranteed) |
| Signing Bonus | $9.68 million |
| Fifth-Year Option | Yes |
| Tax Advantage | Nevada (no state income tax) |
How Much Did Ruggs Actually Keep?
After the November 2, 2021 crash, the Raiders immediately terminated Ruggs’ contract and clawed back a significant portion of his signing bonus. Here’s the financial reality:
| Financial Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Signing Bonus Paid | $9.68 million |
| Amount Clawed Back | ~$6 million |
| 2020-2021 Base Salary | $1.34 million |
| Total Received (Gross) | $4.73 million |
| Federal/State Taxes (40%) | -$1.89 million |
| Agent Fees (3-4%) | -$189,000 |
| Net After Standard Deductions | ~$2.65 million |
Lost Career Earnings Potential
Had Ruggs completed his career without incident, financial experts estimate he could have earned:
- Rookie Contract Total: $16.67 million
- Second Contract (projected): $60-80 million
- Career Endorsements: $10-20 million
- Total Potential Career Earnings: $85-115 million
Actual Career Earnings: $11.02 million (gross) over 20 games
NFL Career: 20 Games That Could Have Been More
Career Statistics
Ruggs played just 20 NFL games before the fatal crash ended his career:
| Season | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Yards/Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 26 | 452 | 2 | 17.4 |
| 2021 | 7 | 24 | 469 | 2 | 19.5 |
| Total | 20 | 50 | 921 | 4 | 18.4 |
Notable Performance: 118-yard game vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Week 5, 2020) with 72-yard touchdown reception
Endorsement Deals: From Millions to Zero
Before the crash, Ruggs had secured major endorsement partnerships:
Pre-Incident Endorsements (2020-2021)
| Brand | Deal Type | Annual Value (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas | Apparel/Footwear | $200,000+ |
| Nike | Apparel | $100,000+ |
| Beats by Dre | Audio Equipment | $75,000+ |
| Panini America | Trading Cards | $50,000+ |
| Total Annual | $425,000+ |
All endorsements were terminated within 24 hours of the crash.
Financial Impact of Lost Endorsements (2021-2026)
- 2021-2026 Potential Earnings: $2.5+ million
- Actual Earnings: $0
- Net Loss: $2.5+ million
The Tragic Crash: November 2, 2021
The Fatal Crash Details
On November 2, 2021, at approximately 3:39 AM in the Spring Valley area of Las Vegas, Ruggs drove his Chevrolet Corvette at 156 mph in a 45 mph zone while under the influence. The high-speed collision resulted in the death of Tina Tintor, 23, and her golden retriever, Max.
Critical Facts:
- Speed: 156 mph in a 45 mph zone
- Blood Alcohol Content: 0.161 (twice Nevada’s legal limit of 0.08)
- Victim’s Speed: 43 mph
- Distance Traveled After Impact: Nearly 600 feet
- Cause of Death: Thermal injuries (fire)
- Time: Hours after drinking at Topgolf on Las Vegas Strip
Ruggs’ girlfriend, Kiara Kilgo-Washington, was also in the vehicle and survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Immediate Aftermath
Within 24 Hours:
- Raiders released Ruggs from the team
- Contract voided and terminated
- All endorsement deals canceled
- Public and media backlash intensified
Legal Proceedings and Prison Sentence
Criminal Charges and Plea Deal
Original Charges:
- Felony DUI resulting in death
- Felony DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm
- Two counts of reckless driving
- Possession of firearm while under the influence
Plea Agreement (May 2023):
- Pleaded guilty to one count of felony DUI resulting in death
- Pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter
- Other charges dropped
Sentencing Details
Date: August 9, 2023
Sentence: 3 to 10 years in Nevada State Prison
| Sentencing Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Sentence | 3 years |
| Maximum Sentence | 10 years |
| Parole Eligibility | August 5, 2026 |
| Mandatory Release Consideration | October 18, 2027 |
| House Arrest Credit | Does not count toward minimum |
2026 Prison Status Update
Current Location
As of February 2026, Ruggs is housed at Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City—a medium-security facility that opened in 1964 and houses over 1,600 inmates.
Prison Transfer Timeline
- August 2023: High Desert State Prison (initial placement)
- September 2023: Stewart Conservation Camp
- November 2024: Casa Grande Transitional Housing (minimum security)
- December 2025: Northern Nevada Correctional Center (current)
Why the Transfer Back to Higher Security?
The Nevada Department of Corrections suggested Ruggs may have committed infractions while at the lower-security facility, though specific details weren’t disclosed. This setback could potentially impact his parole prospects.
Life Behind Bars
Previous Work Program (Casa Grande):
- Position: Community trustee inmate
- Work Location: Nevada Governor’s Mansion and government offices
- Pay Rate: $2.50 per hour
- Status: Lost after December 2025 transfer
December 2025 Achievement:
- Completed bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama
- GPA: 4.0 (President’s List)
- Major: Commerce and Business Administration
Parole Eligibility: August 2026
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Parole Eligibility | August 5, 2026 |
| Mandatory Review Date | October 18, 2027 |
| Maximum Release Date | August 2033 |
Factors Affecting Parole Decision
Positive Factors:
- Completed college degree with 4.0 GPA
- Previously worked as trustee (before December 2025 transfer)
- Public apology at Hope for Prisoners event (June 2025)
- No prior criminal history before the crash
- Good reputation during Alabama years
Negative Factors:
- December 2025 transfer to higher security (suggests rule violation)
- Severity of original crime (death of innocent person)
- High-profile nature of the case
- Public safety concerns
Will He Be Released in August 2026?
Parole eligibility does not guarantee release. The Nevada Parole Board will consider:
- Behavior while incarcerated
- Rehabilitation efforts
- Risk to public safety
- Victim impact statements
- Public opinion
Given the December 2025 setback with his prison transfer, release on first parole eligibility appears less certain than it did months earlier.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth Decline: The Numbers
Complete Financial Timeline
| Year | Net Worth Estimate | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2-3 million | NFL Draft, signed $16.67M contract |
| 2021 (Pre-Crash) | $4-5 million | Peak earnings, endorsements active |
| 2021 (Post-Crash) | $3-4 million | Contract voided, endorsements lost |
| 2023 | $2-3 million | Legal fees mounting, civil settlements |
| 2026 | $1.5-4 million | Continued legal costs, asset liquidation |
Where the Money Went
| Expense Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Legal Defense Fees | $1-2 million |
| Contract Clawback | $6 million |
| Civil Settlements | Unknown (likely millions) |
| Lost Endorsements (2021-2026) | $2.5+ million |
| Living Expenses/Family Support | $500,000+ |
| Assets Remaining | $1.5-4 million |
Can Henry Ruggs Return to the NFL?
What Experts Say
Despite his parole eligibility in August 2026, the prospects of an NFL return remain highly uncertain. Former Raiders teammate Josh Jacobs mentioned in April 2025 on The Pivot Podcast that “a couple of teams are willing to give him a chance” and that Ruggs is staying in shape.
Factors Working Against Him
- The Severity of the Crime: A death resulting from DUI creates immense public relations risk
- Age and Time Away: Will be 27 with 5+ years away from professional football
- Commissioner’s Authority: Roger Goodell could impose indefinite suspension
- Public Backlash: Any team signing him would face intense criticism
- Recent Setback: December 2025 prison transfer suggests behavioral issues
Comparison to Other Athletes
Unlike Michael Vick’s return after dogfighting charges or other comeback stories, Ruggs’ case involves the death of an innocent person—a significantly higher barrier for public forgiveness and league acceptance.
Realistic Assessment: NFL return appears unlikely, even if legally eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth in 2026?
A: Between $1.5 million and $4 million, significantly reduced from his peak of $4-5 million in 2021.
Q: When can Henry Ruggs get out of prison?
A: He becomes eligible for parole on August 5, 2026, but release is not guaranteed. His mandatory review date is October 18, 2027.
Q: Why was Henry Ruggs transferred to a higher security prison?
A: In December 2025, he was transferred from minimum-security Casa Grande to medium-security Northern Nevada Correctional Center, likely due to rule infractions, though specific details weren’t disclosed.
Q: How much did Henry Ruggs actually earn from the NFL?
A: He earned approximately $11.02 million gross, but after taxes, agent fees, and the contract clawback, he netted around $2.65 million.
Q: Will Henry Ruggs play in the NFL again?
A: Highly unlikely. While some reports suggest teams might give him a chance, the severity of his crime, time away from football, and potential league suspension make a return improbable.
Q: Does Henry Ruggs still have endorsement deals?
A: No. All endorsement deals (Adidas, Nike, Beats by Dre, Panini) were terminated within 24 hours of the November 2021 crash.
Q: Did Henry Ruggs graduate from college?
A: Yes. In December 2025, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama with a 4.0 GPA while incarcerated.
