For One Weekend, We're All Cheering for the Cincinnai Bengals and No. 15

As the 9-4 Cincinnati-Bengals-Examiner~y2009m12d19-BengalsChargers-preview-five-questions-regarding-Cincinnatis-matchup-against-San-Diego" title="Cincinnati Bengals take on the San Diego Chargers">Cincinnati Bengals take on the San Diego Chargers this weekend, the recent passing of Chris Henry will be fresh on the minds of the players, coaches, and fans, for not only the Bengals, but for the rest of the league as well.

Over the last couple of days, Henry's death has been the main story in the media throughout the country.

Each day seems to shed light on a new development regarding what really happened on the day of Dec. 16 and how something could have happened to a player like Henry.

Despite everything heard in the media, the numerous rumors as to why it happened should be disregarded for at least one day to celebrate the life of a player who was on the right path to turning his life around.

Henry entered training camp as a player looking for a fresh start in his career, after a troubled past that built a negative reputation around his name.

He showed up with a new work ethic that was noticed by not only the Bengals' coaching staff, but the players as well—especially quarterback Carson Palmer.

As the leader for the Bengals, Palmer has never been afraid to speak anything that may be on his mind.

When he described Henry's work ethic during training camp, it was obvious this was a different player from the past.

“He’s had an offseason like no other; he’s worked here every single day,” Palmer said back in May. “He has a great attitude. I’m just really proud of the guy. I’m happy for him. He’s at a good place in his life, a good place for his family. He’s showed up to work here and he will all year long. There’s not a doubt about that.”

Henry had finally realized how blessed he was to given such great talent and was ready to put the necessary work into helping the Bengals succeed in 2009.

He may be gone, but his presence will be on the field with Cincinnati for not only this weekend, but the remainder of the season.

Death is never easy for anyone to deal with.

The passing away of Henry has not only affected members of the Bengals' organization, but members and players from around the league as well.

The same thing happened when the Washington Redskins had to deal with the death of safety Sean Taylor two years ago.

No matter what team fans and players were part of, deep down they were all rooting for the Redskins to succeed.

All week, former teammates and current players have been paying their respects to Henry by sharing what it was like to play with or against him.

While teammates shared how great it was to have his presence in the locker room, some opponents described how difficult it was at times to defend a player like Henry, who was considered one of the most dangerous deep threats in football.

When the Bengals walk on to that field against the Chargers, wearing a decal with the No. 15 on their helmets, they will do whatever it takes to clinch their first AFC North title since 2005, but to win in honor of Henry.

No matter who fans root for on a weekly basis, everyone will be cheering for the Bengals on Sunday.

Each time Ochocinco hauls in a reception from Palmer, they will hold their breath in hopes of him finding the end zone for that tribute to Henry we've expected from him all week.

The Bengals will have their hands full against a Chargers' team who has seen nothing but success in the month of December the last couple of seasons, winners of 16 straight.

Win or lose, Cincinnati deserves credit for all the emotions going through that locker room the last couple of days.

In honor of Henry, we're all Bengals fans at heart this weekend and will be thinking about him during this Sunday of Week 15.

May he rest in peace and continue to live on in Cincinnati as they make a strong run for the playoffs in these last three weeks of the regular season.

Dan Parzych is the Cincinnati Bengals Examiner for Examiner.com

He is also the founder of WhoDeyBengals.com

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