K.J. Henry immediately became a fan favorite after the 2023 NFL draft when fans realized his father, a college football coach, was a longtime Washington fan.
When K.J. Henry received the call that he was coming to Washington, his father went upstairs, put on an old Redskins’ hat and jersey, and came back downstairs and embraced his son. It was a special moment.
We would later learn more about the special relationship between father and son. The younger Henry would use NIL money he earned at Clemson to help find a kidney for his father.
Henry played in 10 games as a rookie for the Commanders, but he was waived on Tuesday as Washington cut its roster to 53 players. Unsurprisingly, the Cincinnati Bengals claimed Henry on waivers on Wednesday.
Henry fondly remembered his short time in Washington and took to X to show his appreciation to the DMV and the Commanders.
Happy to have started it all in good ole DC!!!!
Much Love 🙏🏾 #WNM pic.twitter.com/6SDrSXVtZY
— KJ Henry (@thekjhenry) August 28, 2024
Well over 100 Washington fans responded to Henry’s message, wishing him well.
Cutdown days are challenging for all 32 NFL teams but much harder for players. Sometimes, it takes longer for players to gather their emotions after their dream has ended. Henry did something many players don’t often do: show gratitude to the team that brought him into the NFL.