Chris Henry was drafted in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of West Virginia University. Despite all of his abilities on the field, Henry struggled to stay out of trouble off the field as he was arrested several times during his professional career. Henry got in trouble with the law for many things such as; driving without a valid drivers license or valid insurance, drug possession, multiple gun charges including concealment and aggravated assault with a firearm and drunk driving just to name a few. Chris was also suspended on a number of occasions by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Although it is unclear what exactly happened on the day of his death, we do know that he was involved in a domestic dispute with his fiancée who was also the mother of his three children. Reports say as she drove away in a pickup truck, Henry jumped in the back and later fell out which led to his deadly injuries.

Here are highlights from Henry’s career

Notable Birthdays

Vincent Damphousse: NHL – Born December 17th 1967 (age 43) in Montreal, Quebec

Takeo Spikes: NFL – Born December 17th 1976 (age 34) in Sandersville, Georgia

Chase Utley: MLB – Born December 17th 1978 (age 32) in Pasadena, California

Chad, who is known for his crazy antics and resistance to rules and authority, finally got serious when it came to talking about Chris Henry.  He talks about his last conversation with Chris and how they used to check in with each other before games and at other times.  He also questions his faith a bit at the end of the clip, wondering how God could take someone so young.

While Chris Henry was no saint during his lifetime, it seemed like he had really cleaned up his act.  Regardless of that, the tragedy of seeing someone with so much promise passing away at such a young age is heart-wrenching.  I think we can all share Ochocinco’s deep emotional angst over this situation.

Last night during the Bengals preseason game against the New England Patriots, Ochocinco was unable to score a touchdown, but that didn’t stop him from getting on the board.  Late in the fourth quarter following a Chris Henry touchdown to make it 6-3 for the Bengals, Chad entered the game with the field goal team.

The Bengals’ regular kicker, Shane Graham, had been hampered by an injury, but the team had a backup plan.  Word one the street, according to commentary, is that Ochocinco has a great kicking leg and they weren’t lying.  After setting up his footing, the ball was snapped and the Cincinnati wide receiver sent the ball right through the uprights with ease.

He wasn’t done there either.  For the ensuing kickoff, Ochocinco once again showed off his leg and booted the ball down inside the Pats ten yard line.  Talk about giving this guy even more reasons to praise himself.  This should give him something to Twitter about.

As you would expect, Ochocinco had something to say following the game, including the introduction of another name change?

“‘Esteban’ Ochocinco is back, the most interesting footballer in the world,” Ochocinco said. “Everyone has to remember, I’ve always said that soccer is my No. 1 sport. I think Ronaldinho would be proud of me right now.” [TSN.ca]

Esteban?  Please tell me this is not for real.

The best part of it all was Ochocinco’s extra point would prove to be the difference in a 7-6 Bengals victory.  Just think of the fantasy possibilities.  Carson Palmer bombs a deep ball to Chad (or Esteban, if that’s what you prefer), which goes for a touchdown.  After racking up all the points on the play from yardage and the touchdown, he comes out and adds another point to you total with the extra kick.  Now that is fantasy production.

I guess if his newly revived relationship with Palmer goes sour, he can always join the kicking team.