New York Jets Erin Henderson Becoming A Leader Defensively
New York Jets linebacker Erin Henderson is growing into a leadership role after earning a starting spot with his play last season.
The New York Jets will have a new look at the linebacker position this season. Gone are regulars from the past few seasons such as Calvin Pace and Demario Davis. The Jets selected two linebackers in the 2016 NFL Draft in Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins that figure to factor into the lineup in some way, but a player to keep an eye on is Erin Henderson.
Henderson received a second chance for his NFL career with the Jets last season. He had battled off-field issues, including two alcohol related arrests and a rehab stint. As a result, the Minnesota Vikings cut him and his NFL career was hanging in the balance. The Jets took a flier on him, and it has turned out to be a great decision for both sides.
Henderson made the cut as a special teams contributor and backup, and played well enough that he parlayed it into a two-year, $4 million contract this season. His play also landed him the job replacing Davis, who left as a free agent and signed with the Cleveland Browns.
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It is an opportunity that Henderson is very grateful for, saying, “It meant the world. Coming off the street, these guys didn’t know me from a can of paint. I don’t think they really expected me to do what I did last year. I really didn’t know what to expect from myself.”
Henderson gained a ton of confidence last season with the playing time he had, and he has parlayed it into this season as well. Henderson is becoming a leader for the Jets defensively, something they will gladly welcome with so many veterans departing this offseason from the position. Head coach Todd Bowles says that the vocal leadership is coming about as he is getting more comfortable with the team.
"“I think he’s feeling more comfortable and he likes to get everybody going. Erin’s always been a talker behind the scenes, but lately he’s become more of a, shall I say, vocal leader in that regard. It’s all in fun with him. If you know him, it’s all in fun. He gets the guys going and he likes to cause little stir-ups out there every now and then. But it was good camaraderie.”"
A target for Henderson’s talking during OTA’s? Rookie quarterback Christian Hackenberg. ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini said that Henderson was giving Hackenberg an earful throughout Wednesday’s practice, giving him a preview of what he will see once he is on the field for game action.
Henderson has not only rose to a starting spot in the defense, but he has risen as a leader on the defense as well.
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After being happy to just make the cut last season, Henderson is letting his presence be known this time around as he looks to continue his impressive comeback and make good on the two-year deal he signed with the Jets earlier in the offseason.