Henry Ruggs III is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. His career was abruptly cut short following a tragic car accident that led to his arrest and the end of his promising football career. Despite the tragic events that defined his post-NFL life, Ruggs remains a prominent figure in sports history.
Henry Ruggs Biography:
Early Life and Background
Henry Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. Growing up in Alabama, Ruggs developed a passion for sports at an early age. His athletic talent was evident from his high school days, where he excelled not only in football but also in track and field, showcasing his speed and agility.
Ruggs attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, where he was recognized as a standout athlete. His performance in track, particularly in the 100-meter dash, helped establish his reputation as one of the fastest players in the state. It was during these years that he honed his football skills and made a name for himself as a wide receiver.
College Career
Ruggs accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Alabama, joining the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He played under Coach Nick Saban from 2017 to 2019, showcasing his speed and talent on the field. Ruggs was part of an incredibly talented receiving corps alongside players like Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith. His time at Alabama was marked by multiple victories, including an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where the Crimson Tide won the title in 2018.
Ruggs was known for his ability to stretch the field with his incredible speed. He recorded 98 receptions, 1,716 yards, and 24 touchdowns over three seasons at Alabama. His most memorable performance came in the 2019 season, where he finished with 746 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, including a 98-yard touchdown reception.
NFL Career
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Henry Ruggs was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the 12th overall pick. His selection marked a new chapter in his football journey, and he quickly became one of the most highly anticipated rookies in the league. Ruggs signed a four-year rookie contract with the Raiders worth $16.67 million, with a signing bonus of $9.6 million.
During his rookie season, Ruggs showed flashes of brilliance, recording 26 receptions for 452 yards and two touchdowns. His performance demonstrated his explosive speed, and many believed that he had the potential to become one of the top wide receivers in the league. Ruggs was expected to make even more significant strides in his sophomore year, but that was not to be.
The Tragic Accident
On the night of November 2, 2021, Henry Ruggs was involved in a devastating car crash that changed the course of his life. Ruggs was driving his Corvette at speeds of up to 156 mph when he collided with a Toyota RAV4, resulting in a fire that killed the driver, 23-year-old Tina Tintor, and her dog. Ruggs and his passenger, girlfriend Kiara Washington, survived the crash with minor injuries.
Following the accident, Ruggs was arrested on charges of DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and other offenses. Toxicology reports revealed that Ruggs had a blood alcohol content (BAC) twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. This tragedy led to the Raiders releasing Ruggs immediately, and his football career was effectively over.
In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to a felony DUI charge, and he is awaiting sentencing, which could lead to a prison term of several years. The accident remains a heartbreaking chapter in his life, and it has forever altered his legacy in the world of sports.
Henry Ruggs Net Worth
As of 2024, Henry Ruggs III’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His net worth was primarily built from his NFL contract and endorsements before his career came to an unfortunate end. While Ruggs was a rising star in the league, his future earnings were cut short due to the tragic accident and the legal consequences that followed.
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FAQs
What happened to Henry Ruggs?
Henry Ruggs was involved in a fatal car accident on November 2, 2021, where he crashed his car into another vehicle, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman. Ruggs was arrested and charged with DUI causing death and reckless driving.
What was Henry Ruggs’ NFL contract?
Henry Ruggs signed a four-year rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $16.67 million, including a signing bonus of $9.6 million. His career was cut short due to the tragic accident.
What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth?
As of 2024, Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His net worth was primarily derived from his NFL contract and endorsements.
Was Henry Ruggs ever convicted of a crime?
Yes, Henry Ruggs pleaded guilty to a felony DUI charge in May 2023. He is awaiting sentencing, which could result in significant prison time due to the fatal accident.
What was Henry Ruggs’ college career like?
Ruggs played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2019, where he established himself as a top wide receiver with remarkable speed. He played alongside other future NFL stars like Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith and was part of the national championship-winning team in 2018.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs’ story is one of immense promise, followed by a tragic fall from grace. While his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, the tragic accident that ended his career will likely define his legacy moving forward.