Rookie defensive end K.J. Henry hasn’t even stepped on the field for the Washington Commanders yet but is quickly becoming one of the team’s more popular players.
The fifth-round pick from Clemson is an intriguing prospect on the field. A former elite recruit, some believe Henry’s best football could be ahead of him.
Off the field, we’ve learned a lot about Henry’s special bond with his father, Keith.
When the Commanders moved up to select K.J. in April’s draft, we learned that Keith Henry was a longtime Washington fan. The family recorded Keith Henry coming down the steps in a 2002 Jeremiah Trotter jersey, proving his fandom.
There’s also the story of K.J., with the help of some of his Clemson teammates, using his NIL money to help find his father a kidney.
On the latest episode of Commanders Log [Episode 5], Henry discussed his son going to his favorite NFL team.
“That was one of the best moments of my life,” Keith Henry said.
Keith Henry joined his son in Ashburn for a recent practice.
“God put him right here where he needed to be,” the elder Henry said. “I just pray he takes advantage of the opportunity and plays well.”
Keith then discussed when he learned he needed a kidney transplant in 2021 and how he told his son.
K.J. immediately knew he needed to do something.
“Just trying to help in any way I could off the field when it came to my dad when his kidneys were failing,” K.J. said. “And he was going to need a transplant, and really, luckily, with the backing of my community, my Clemson community, and the new rule change with NIL, those two things allowed me to help raise funds, raise awareness for him.”
“What he did was phenomenal,” Keith said.
what a special bond between father and son 💛@thekjhenry | #HTTC
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 14, 2023
Next week, K.J. Henry reports to Ashburn for his first NFL training camp.
