Cincinnati Receiver Chris Henry's Road to Redemption Interrupted by Tragic Death

Chris Henry entered the NFL full of talent, but also with question marks about his maturity and ability to stay out of trouble. The former West Virginia wide receiver was drafted in 2005, by the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite warnings from the team, Henry reverted back to form, getting arrested two times during his rookie season.

In 2007, after a fifth arrest, Cincinnati released the troubled receiver. Henry would get a second chance, when the Bengals resigned him in 2008. This time, Henry stayed out of trouble, seemingly concentrating on football and his family. After breaking his arm this this year, Henry's season was over, but there was reason to believe his professional career was back on track. After four years in the league, Chris Henry had finally turned into a professional football player.

Just when his life was coming together, Henry's road to redemption ended tragically. The 26 year old receiver died from injuries sustained after falling from the back of a pickup truck. His death leaves three children without a father, and a family without their loved one. The Cincinnati Bengals, Henry's second family, will continue on without their teammate, but they'll play with heavy hearts.

Playing their first game after the death of Henry, Cincinnati lost a close game against the red hot San Diego Chargers. During the game, Chad Ochocinco, known for his elaborate touchdown celebrations, paid tribute to his teammate after scoring a touchdown. It was a touching moment. In a game that can be physical, and sometimes brutal, occasionally we see a glimpse of tender emotion pour out of these warriors.

Hopefully Henry's life will be celebrated, and he'll serve as an example of a troubled player who was able to turn his life around, and become a good father, man, and football player. As a testament of how he'd changed, Coach Marvin Lewis had this to say at Henry's funeral, which was attended by hundreds. "We had seen Chris expand this year as both a person and on the field. He had grown and matured. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Chris' family and to everyone else who held him dear."

Rest in peace, Chris Henry.

Sources:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i0BpbXZdhgxVFEzUTsPDKMcF_1LgD9COGRDO2
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4750615