Henry Ruggs III, once a promising young wide receiver in the NFL, saw his life and career spiral after a tragic car accident in November 2021. This article explores Ruggs’ rise to fame, his accomplishments in football, and the heartbreaking incident that ultimately altered the course of his life.
With a net worth of approximately $4 million, Ruggs’ story is one of both success and misfortune. We’ll take a deeper look at his early life, his career in the NFL, and the accident that led to his downfall.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Henry Ruggs III was born on January 24, 1999, in Montgomery, Alabama. From a young age, he demonstrated remarkable athleticism, excelling in multiple sports. While attending Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, Ruggs showcased his talent in football, basketball, and track. His speed, agility, and skill made him a standout football player, drawing attention from college scouts across the nation.
College Career at the University of Alabama
Ruggs accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Alabama, one of the most prestigious programs in college football. During his time at Alabama, Ruggs emerged as a key player for the Crimson Tide. His speed and reliable hands made him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in college football.
Over three seasons at Alabama, Ruggs compiled impressive stats:
- Freshman Year (2017): 12 receptions, 229 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Sophomore Year (2018): 46 receptions, 741 yards, 11 touchdowns
- Junior Year (2019): 40 receptions, 746 yards, 7 touchdowns
In addition to his receiving prowess, Ruggs contributed as a punt returner, adding another dimension to his skillset. By the time he declared for the NFL Draft, Ruggs had established himself as one of the top receiver prospects, with a reputation for being able to change the game with a single play.
NFL Career: A Promising Start
Henry Ruggs was drafted 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, a testament to his outstanding college performance. As the first wide receiver taken off the board in the draft, there were high expectations for Ruggs to become a star in the league.
Rookie Season (2020)
Ruggs’ rookie season with the Raiders was filled with potential. He displayed flashes of brilliance, finishing his debut season with:
- 46 receptions
- 703 yards
- 4 touchdowns
Though still developing, his speed and big-play ability were evident. Ruggs quickly became known for stretching the field and creating opportunities for his team’s offense. He also contributed on special teams, adding 159 punt return yards to his stat line.
Second Season (2021): Short-Lived Success
Ruggs’ second season began with promise. In the first 10 games of the 2021 season, he tallied:
- 24 receptions
- 452 yards
- 2 touchdowns
However, his career came to an abrupt halt following a tragic incident in November 2021.
The Tragic 2021 Car Crash
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a devastating car crash that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette at an astonishing speed of over 150 mph when he collided with Tintor’s vehicle, which was stopped at a red light. The impact of the crash was severe, and Tintor and her dog were killed instantly as their car caught fire.
Legal Consequences
Ruggs was arrested on charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving. After his arrest, the Las Vegas Raiders immediately released him from the team, marking the end of his professional football career.
In February 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to a felony count of DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor manslaughter. On August 9, 2023, he was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison for his role in the accident.
The tragedy not only brought an end to Ruggs’ football career but also shattered the lives of Tina Tintor’s family and friends, leaving an indelible mark on everyone involved.
NFL Salary, Contracts, and Career Earnings
At the time of the accident, Henry Ruggs had been in the midst of a promising NFL career, with a lucrative contract to match. In July 2020, he signed a four-year, $16.67 million contract with the Raiders, which included a $10 million signing bonus.
Contract Breakdown and Clawbacks
Despite the lucrative nature of the contract, Ruggs’ release from the Raiders meant the team voided part of his deal. About $6 million of the signing bonus was clawed back, leaving Ruggs with a total of $4.73 million in earnings from his time with the team.
Estimated Net Earnings
Due to the fact that Nevada has no state income tax, Ruggs was able to retain a significant portion of his income. After accounting for federal taxes, agent fees, and other expenses, it’s estimated that Ruggs netted around $2.85 million from his NFL contract, though this figure does not include legal fees stemming from the fatal accident.
In total, Ruggs earned approximately $11 million during his brief NFL career.
A Career Full of Potential Cut Short
Henry Ruggs’ football career was filled with potential, and the numbers reflect his promise. Before the crash, he was widely regarded as one of the fastest and most exciting young players in the NFL. However, that potential was never fully realized due to the tragic events of November 2021.
What Could Have Been?
Had the accident not occurred, Ruggs was set to earn a $4.8 million base salary in 2022, a significant increase from his 2021 salary. His career earnings could have easily surpassed $20 million over the next few years, assuming continued success in the league. Ruggs was poised to be a key figure in the Raiders’ offense and potentially one of the NFL’s rising stars.
Early Life and Collegiate Success: A Foundation for Greatness
Ruggs’ background as a three-sport athlete in high school and a standout player at the University of Alabama set the stage for his ascent to the NFL. His incredible speed and work ethic were traits that scouts and coaches admired. At Alabama, Ruggs contributed to a National Championship victory in 2018 and earned several honors, including consensus All-American recognition.
His strong performance in college was what made him such a valuable prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, and many believed he would become one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
The Aftermath: A Tragic End to a Once-Promising Career
The car accident not only ended Henry Ruggs’ NFL career but also left a lasting impact on the lives of many. The death of Tina Tintor and her dog was a heartbreaking loss, and Ruggs’ role in the incident became a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless driving and alcohol use.
Prison Sentence and Legal Consequences
Ruggs’ sentence of 3 to 10 years in prison marks the final chapter in his professional football career. While he may have been a rising star in the NFL, the accident and subsequent legal proceedings will forever be tied to his name.
Conclusion
Henry Ruggs III had all the ingredients for a long and successful career in the NFL: talent, speed, and opportunity. Unfortunately, a single tragic decision in November 2021 changed the course of his life and ended the life of another. While Ruggs’ football career showed promise, his legacy will forever be overshadowed by the fatal accident that occurred at the peak of his young career.
FAQs
1. What is Henry Ruggs’ net worth?
Henry Ruggs’ net worth is estimated to be $4 million, primarily derived from his NFL contract and signing bonuses.
2. What caused Henry Ruggs’ car crash?
Ruggs was driving his Corvette at over 150 mph and was found to be intoxicated at the time of the crash, which resulted in the death of Tina Tintor and her dog.
3. How long is Henry Ruggs’ prison sentence?
Ruggs was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor manslaughter.
4. How much did Henry Ruggs earn during his NFL career?
Ruggs earned a total of $11 million during his short NFL career, though his contract was voided after the accident, and some of his earnings were clawed back.
5. What were Henry Ruggs’ career highlights?
Ruggs had a standout career at the University of Alabama and was drafted 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. His rookie season in the NFL showed great potential, with over 700 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.