No. 98, 79 | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||
Born: | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. | January 9, 1979||||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | ||||||||||||
Weight: | 335 lb (152 kg) | ||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||
High school: | Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive (Nashville, Tennessee) | ||||||||||||
College: | Tennessee | ||||||||||||
NFL draft: | 2002 / round: 1 / pick: 9 | ||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
|
John Nathan Henderson (born January 9, 1979), nicknamed "Big John" or "Big Hen", is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and was a two-time consensus All-American. The Jacksonville Jaguars chose him in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft, and he was selected for the Pro Bowl twice. He also played for the Oakland Raiders.
Henderson was born in Nashville, Tennessee. [1] He attended Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive High School in Nashville, where he played defensive tackle and tight end for the Pearl Cohn Firebirds high school football team. [2] His teams won back-to-back state championships during his junior and senior years. [3] He was named All-State as a junior when he had 145 tackles and 15 sacks, along with 37 catches for 470 yards and 9 touchdowns. As a senior, he finished with 150 tackles and 32 sacks, to go with 45 catches for 560 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also selected as a High School All-American by Parade magazine, USA Today, Blue Chip Illustrated, National Recruiting Advisor, and Super Prep. He was ranked as the 7th best high school player in The Sporting News Top 100 and was ranked 1st in the state of Tennessee by the Knoxville News Sentinel and the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Henderson also was named All-State in basketball. [4]
While attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Henderson played for coach Phillip Fulmer's Tennessee Volunteers football team from 1998 to 2001. [5] At Tennessee, he lined up at left defensive tackle next to Albert Haynesworth. He played in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl, 2000 Cotton Bowl Classic, and 2001 Citrus Bowl. [6] As a sophomore, Henderson recorded 43 tackles and four sacks in seven starts. As a junior, Henderson recorded 71 tackles (21 for a loss) and 12 sacks. He won the Outland Trophy as college football's top interior lineman and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 2000, having received first-team honors from the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, Football News, CNN/SI, and Rivals.com. [7] [8] [9] After finishing with 48 tackles (nine for a loss) and 4.5 sacks in 10 starts, Henderson was again recognized as a consensus first-team All-American as a senior in 2001. [7] He finished his college career with 165 tackles (130 solo and 39 for loss) and 20.5 sacks (5th in school history), seven pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 ft 6+7⁄8 in (2.00 m) | 308 lb (140 kg) | 34+1⁄2 in (0.88 m) | 8+3⁄4 in (0.22 m) | 4.87 s | 4.66 s | 7.71 s | 27.5 in (0.70 m) | 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) | 24 reps | |||
All values from NFL Combine [10] [11] |
Henderson was the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round pick (9th overall) in the 2002 NFL draft. [12] He finished his rookie season with 53 tackles (44 solo), 6.5 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble in 16 games (13 starts). [13] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. [14] In 2003, he had 56 tackles (45 solo and 13 for loss), 3.5 sacks, 7 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 33 quarterback pressures in 16 starts. [15] In 2004, he finished with 75 tackles (62 solo and 5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, and 39 QB pressures in 16 starts and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. [16] [17] In 2005, Henderson had 70 tackles (52 solo and 4 for loss), 3 sacks, 7 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and 20 QB pressures in 16 games (15 starts). [18] He also started in the Jaguars' lone playoff game and recorded 5 tackles and 1 sack. [19] On March 21, 2006, Henderson signed a new 6 year, $34 million contract extension with the Jaguars through 2011. The contract also contains $13.4 million guaranteed. [20] Henderson responded with 51 tackles (38 solo and 6 for loss), 3.5 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and 7 QB pressures, as well as his second Pro Bowl selection. [21] [22] He was also named an AP Second Team All-Pro. [23] He was filmed by the NFL Network getting pumped up for a game by having a team trainer slap him in the face. [24] In 2007, Henderson finished with 38 tackles (28 solo), 2 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 13 QB pressures in 15 starts, marking the first time in his career he did not play all 16 games. [25] Henderson started both playoff games for the Jaguars, finishing with 9 tackles and 2 sacks. In March 2008, Henderson's good friend and fellow defensive tackle Marcus Stroud was traded to the Buffalo Bills. Henderson finished the 2008 season with 44 tackles (34 solo), 2 sacks, and 2 pass deflections in 14 games. [26] In the 2009 off-season, Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio was critical of Henderson for pulling out of OTAs, claiming he was faking a shoulder injury to avoid having to participate. [27] Although many believed Henderson would be released, he met privately with Del Rio and claimed that he had "bought in". [28] Henderson finished the 2009 season with 36 tackles (26 solo), 3 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. [29]
Henderson was released by the Jaguars on April 26, 2010. [30]
On June 11, 2010, Henderson signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. [31] He played in nine games and two starts. He recorded 30 total tackles and three passes defended. [32] On February 24, 2011, he signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Raiders. [33] He finished the 2011 season with 36 total tackles and four passes defended in 13 games and three starts. [34] Following the 2011 season, he was released on March 14, 2012. [35]
Year | Team | GP | Comb | Total | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | Lng | TD | PD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | JAX | 16 | 53 | 44 | 9 | 6.5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
2003 | JAX | 16 | 56 | 45 | 11 | 3.5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
2004 | JAX | 16 | 75 | 62 | 13 | 5.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
2005 | JAX | 16 | 70 | 52 | 18 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
2006 | JAX | 16 | 51 | 38 | 13 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
2007 | JAX | 15 | 38 | 28 | 10 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2008 | JAX | 14 | 44 | 34 | 10 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
2009 | JAX | 15 | 36 | 26 | 10 | 3.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2010 | OAK | 9 | 30 | 24 | 6 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2011 | OAK | 13 | 36 | 25 | 11 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Career | 146 | 489 | 378 | 111 | 29.0 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
Henderson met his wife Aleviar while attending the University of Tennessee in 2001. They were married on March 10, 2007. Together they have six children: Ja’ Mari, Anaiya, Talia, Ayden, Asa, and Ari Henderson. Their daughter Talia was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and died at age 7 in 2011. In Talia's honor, the Hendersons have made a commitment to help improve the quality of life of other children with disabilities through their nonprofit organization Luvthekidz. [36]
The Hendersons have owned and operated several businesses in the US. In 2007, Henderson opened a clothing store in Jacksonville called "4 Big Men by Big Hen" that sold big and tall clothing. [37] In 2011 the Hendersons opened Aleviar's VIP Lounge and Jazz Bar in Jacksonville, as well as Coast2Coast Trucking in Los Angeles. In 2012, Henderson opened multiple restaurant locations in Jacksonville called "Big John's Crumpy's Wings & Things"; the restaurant closed in 2015.
Paul Michael Posluszny is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons, primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he won the Chuck Bednarik Award twice and the Dick Butkus Award, and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. Following four years in Buffalo, Posluszny spent the remainder of his career with the Jaguars. Posluszny earned Pro Bowl honors during the 2013 season after leading the league in solo tackles. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Chad Greenway is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 11-year career as a linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft.
Reggie Lee Nelson is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators, winning a national championship and earning consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft and also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders.
Calais Malik Campbell is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.
Brian Ndubisi Orakpo is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Texas, was recognized as a unanimous All-American, and was selected by the Washington Redskins with the thirteenth overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. He also played for Tennessee Titans, and was selected to four Pro Bowls.
Jason McCourty is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft. McCourty also played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots, he ended his playing career with the Miami Dolphins.
Jurrell Juel Casey is an American former professional football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans, and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft.
Malik Barron Jackson is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. Jackson was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, with whom he won Super Bowl 50 in 2016, in which he scored the game's first touchdown on a fumble recovery. He also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns.
Brandon Markeith Marshall is an American former professional football linebacker. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft, out of the University of Nevada, Reno.
Tashaun James Gipson Sr. is an American professional football safety for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wyoming and signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Gipson has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
Logan Daniel Ryan is an American former professional football defensive back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons. He played college football at Rutgers as a cornerback and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. Ryan also played for the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers. He played cornerback for the first seven seasons of his career before switching to safety in 2020 and playing the position in his last four seasons.
Johnathan Ken Cyprien is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the FIU Panthers and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. Cyprien also played for the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers.
Arlandus Jacob Bouye is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights, and was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2013. Bouye also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers.
Jalen Lattrel Ramsey is an American professional football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars fifth overall in the 2016 NFL draft.
Yannick Ngakoue is an American professional football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He spent two stints with the Baltimore Ravens and has also played one season each for the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears.
Christopher Deshun Jones is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and was selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. Jones is a three-time Super Bowl champion, a five-time All-Pro member, and a five-time Pro Bowler.
Kevin Leon Byard III is an American professional football safety for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Byard was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. In 2017, his second season in the NFL, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and the first-team All-Pro and was the co-leader for most interceptions throughout the season. Additionally, he led the NFL in takeaways with 10.
Quinton Jefferson is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft. He played college football at Maryland. He played for the Seahawks from 2016 to 2019, as well as brief stints for the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets. Jefferson has played for the Seahawks three separate times. In 2024, Jefferson signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Harold Antonio Landry III is an American professional football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Boston College and was drafted by the Titans in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Yury Travon Walker is an American professional football defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, winning the 2022 National Championship prior to being selected first overall by the Jaguars in the 2022 NFL draft.