Mattie T’s Tribute to Chris Henry (1983-2009)

The Cincinnati Bengals & the NFL suffered a tragic loss today, as 26-year old wide receiver Chris Henry was pronounced dead less than 24 hours after suffering serious injuries from a domestic dispute.

Henry went to high school in Louisiana, while later attending West Virginia University & set some impressive marks, which includes tying the single-season record for touchdown receptions (12 in 2004) & becoming just the 2nd player in school history to amass 1,000 yards receiving or more.

The Bengals selected Henry in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL Draft, as he made his NFL debut on September 18th, 2005 against Minnesota & caught 4 receptions for 45 yards during Cincinnati’s 37-8 win.

Henry’s first career NFL Touchdown came at Soldier Field in Chicago against the Bears, as he hauled in a 36-yard score from Carson Palmer during the Bengals’ 24-7 win.

Chris got to play in his only postseason contest as a rookie & was on the receiving end of a 66-yard reception from Palmer, but hurt his knee on the play & was knocked out of the game.

His best season came in 2006, as he established career-highs in receptions (36), passing yards (605), yards per game (46.5), first down receptions (27) & touchdowns (9).

Henry then got into some trouble following a 2008 arrest, which led to his release from the Bengals. At the time of the release, owner Mike Brown said that Henry’s conduct “could no longer be tolerated.”

Later in the year though, Cincinnati re-signed Henry to a 2-year deal, as he played in 10 of the team’s final 11 games.

Chris’ final game as a member of the Bengals came on November 8th against Baltimore, as he caught one reception for 20 yards before breaking his right forearm, which would end this season.

His last touchdown reception came against Chicago on October 25th during the team’s 45-10 rout.

Henry is survived by his fiancee Loleini Tonga & his three children.