When the Washington Commanders selected Clemson defensive end K.J. Henry in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, it was a special time for Henry and his family.
Not only did Henry realize his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL, his father, Keith, is a lifelong Washington with an old jersey and hat to prove it.
But there’s a much deeper bond between father and son. In an article from Andrea Adelson of ESPN back in December, it was revealed that Henry used NIL [name, image & likeness] money to help his father get a kidney.
Keith Henry needed a kidney transplant, and K.J. was motivated to help his father, who had been suffering from kidney disease since 2008, get a new kidney.
This is where it began for K.J. Henry.
Love you all 🤍
Contact Yvonne Ellebre if interested in donating your kidney or getting tested: (704)-355-3602 ❕❕
Clink link in Bio if interested in making a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation towards medical bills for my father Keith Henry❕❕
PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH OTHERS 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Y6JBQNSw0O
— KJ Henry (@thekjhenry) February 9, 2022
Henry and teammate Will Shipley worked together to come up with a plan to raise money to help Keith Henry get a new kidney and cover the medical expenses that would come with it.
Using college football’s NIL rules, the pair hosted an autograph signing and launched a fundraiser to gain much-needed financial support. The support came with help from his Clemson teammates, and Henry raised the money.
From Adelson:
The donations, and support, started pouring in. K.J. ended up partnering with Help Hope Live, an organization dedicated to helping patients with fundraising for uninsured expenses. In all, they have raised more than $100,000 for Keith, and K.J. remains an advocate for the organization.
You’ll hear a lot of great stories on draft day, but this story of the Henry family was one of the best.
