One of the standout defensive linemen in the history of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has received a significant accolade as he has been named to the University of…
One of the standout defensive linemen in the history of the Jacksonville Jaguars, John Henderson, has received a significant accolade as he has been named to the University of Tennessee’s athletics hall of fame.
The university highlighted Henderson’s impressive achievements, stating, “A dominant interior defender and Nashville native, John Henderson earned back-to-back first-team All-America honors in his junior and senior seasons by showcasing exceptional explosiveness off the defensive line. In 2000, a year when Tennessee set a school record for the fewest rushing yards allowed with 817, he secured the Outland Trophy, became a Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist, and received SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.”
The release further detailed Henderson’s remarkable 2000 season, where he recorded 64 tackles, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 12 sacks, ranking third in UT single-season history at that time. Despite facing a lingering ankle injury, he was an Outland Trophy finalist and Lombardi Award semifinalist in 2001, contributing to the Vols’ success in securing the SEC Eastern Division title. Henderson concluded his collegiate career by earning Defensive MVP honors with six tackles in a 45-17 triumph over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. Throughout his tenure, he received two first-team All-SEC designations, amassing a career total of 162 tackles and 20.5 sacks, which still holds the seventh position in UT annals.
Selected as the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Henderson went on to enjoy a distinguished 10-season NFL career, earning two Pro Bowl selections.
The university announced that this year’s Hall of Fame weekend is scheduled for April 26-27, with the induction ceremony set to take place on April 26.
