Strong preseason finale earns LB a roster spot
ASHBURN – The dream turned into a quest, with Redskins linebacker Robert Henson trying to earn a roster spot for two people. One of whom no longer lived. From the time he was 12, football was never just about himself.
Recommended Stories
A fire ravaged his house, claiming his brother and leaving Henson full of guilt. He saved his mother and his sister; but not his 10-year-old brother, Nicholas.
Henson carried that feeling for years. But he also carried their dream. As kids, Henson and his brother would sit on the front steps of their Longview, Texas home and talk about the NFL. The typical conclusion: They’d both make it.
Saturday, one of them did.
“I feel this is a victory for me and my brother,” said Henson, who has his brother’s nickname, Rudy, tattooed on his upper right arm.
He used to write his brother’s name on the tape he wore on game days at Texas Christian University (something he might not do now — he could get fined).
“All the stuff I went through as a child was for this reason and led to this moment. God has a plan for my life and all the stuff he took me through made me stronger.”
The fire occurred around 5:30 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day 1997. The 12-year-old Henson, awakened by an explosion, rescued his mom and younger sister; by the time he returned for his brother, the combination of smoke and flames blocked his entrance. Firefighters were unable to save him, either.
“I find myself wondering what would he be doing?” Henson said. “What college would he be playing for? Would he look up to me for advice? It’s not something you ever get over. It keeps you motivated.”
Regardless of how his NFL career turns out, his life is on the right track. He and his wife, Sarah — the youngest daughter of famed pastor T.D. Jakes — recently had their first child. Among the guests at their wedding: Deion Sanders, Dr. Phil, Tyler Perry and Emmitt Smith.
“Each guy has his own story,” said Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato, “but to see what a guy has to come through and see him succeed, it’s a good thought. He’s doing well now.”
But Henson wants to play as long as possible in the NFL. Earlier this summer he tweeted about his discouragement about his preseason playing time. He shelved the self-described pity party the next morning. And a strong preseason finale saved him from being cut.
“It’s amazing that we sat on the porch and talked about this moment,” Henson said. “Now it finally has come and I’ll do everything I can to keep it going and keep playing for him.”
