Chris Henry: Tribute To a Fallen Athlete

While we all know death is an inevitability, we always seem to block out the fact that death does not know age or social status. It doesn’t care if you’re an average Joe or a star athlete. Death is unpredictable and tragic.

Early this morning, Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry died in a Charlotte hospital, sustaining fatal head injuries after falling out of the bed of a pickup truck.

At 26 years old, Henry’s death is a tragic one, especially considering his circumstances.

Henry was drafted by the Bengals after having attended West Virginia. While a solid receiver, he had countless issues off the field that resulted in numerous suspensions—some of which include possession of marijuana while driving without a license, concealing a firearm, driving under the influence, and providing alcohol to minors.

The Bengals released him in April 2008, only to resign him in August of that year.

According to Michael Irvin, he and Henry spoke in April 2008 about making changes in his life after his latest arrest for punching a man in the face. Henry had not been charged with any crime from that point until his death.

Henry had been establishing himself as Carson Palmer’s long-ball threat this season until breaking his arm and being placed on injured reserve.

This season-ending injury allowed Henry to spend more time with his fiancée and plan their wedding. They reportedly had a domestic dispute, which ultimately led to his death. Homicide detectives are currently investigating the details of the accident.

Say what you want about Henry’s prior conduct, but he was a man trying to turn his life around. In spite of his conduct, he was popular with his teammates and coaches—all of whom were in a state of disbelief during this morning’s official press conference by head coach Marvin Lewis.

Henry was also a father of three. Somehow, the fact that he was a parent puts things into perspective easier.

Fans often see athletes as supermen, as invincible. But when an athlete dies, leaving a fiancée and three young children behind, the evidence of our own mortality dawns on us.

I’m not here to advocate what he had done. Henry was a troubled man, but he was a man nonetheless. Much in the same way as former Redskins safety Sean Taylor, all I ask of you, the fans, is to remember the good about Chris Henry. Remember his talent on the field, and remember the man that realized he had done wrong and was trying to make it right.