The tattoo on Erin Henderson’s right arm says it all: Family.
After all, they were the first to comfort the 6-foot-3, 242-pounder during this spring’s NFL Draft, when 252 names were called, but not his.
“Never had any regrets,” Henderson, who opted to forego his senior year at Maryland to enter the draft, said. “I made the decision and I have to run with it and go with it.”
The only running the linebacker has been doing, however, has been on the football field for the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him as an undrafted free agent just hours after the draft.
Henderson joins his brother E.J., a linebacker who was a star at Aberdeen High School before a standout career at Maryland. As a senior in College Park in 2003, E.J. earned the Butkus Award (nation’s best linebacker) and Bednarik Trophy (nation’s best defensive player), before getting drafted in the second round by the Vikings.
“I get to see him everyday and go to work with him,” E.J. said. “I tell him ‘go hard and go fast.’ Whether you’re wrong or right, he has to make plays, and learn the defense.”
Erin was a standout last fall as a junior at Maryland, but nagging injuries kept him from performing consistently, but he finished eighth nationally in tackles with 11 per game.
But as E.J. has solidified himself as one of the top players at his position, recording a career-high 155 tackles last season, Erin is trying to earn a roster spot.
Last weekend at M&T Bank Stadium, Erin had a game-high nine tackles in a 23-15 preseason win over the Ravens.
Eric Henderson, E.J. and Erin’s father, hopes it’s not the last time he sees Erin play in the NFL.
“It’s been like a blessing in disguise,” he said. “It was devastating at first, but we have moved on. The Vikings gave him a chance and now he’s running with it. Hopefully, he will be a Viking for life.”
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