NASHVILLE, TN – March 21, 2023 – Former Tennessee Volunteers Defensive Tackle and Nashville Native John Henderson has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Henderson was told of the news Tuesday morning during a radio interview on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville with VFLs Ramon Foster and Ron Slay. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Photo used with permission from University of Tennessee Athletics
“John Henderson was a dominant football player at every level of competition. From Pearl Cohn, to Tennessee, to the NFL, John was a force to be reckoned with along the defensive line,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “John’s accomplishments throughout his career make him an ideal candidate for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Henderson was born in Nashville, and attended Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive High School in Nashville, where he played defensive tackle and tight end for the Pearl-Cohn Firebirds. Henderson was part of back-to-back state championship teams in his Junior and Senior seasons. Henderson played defensive tackle at the University of Tennessee from 1998- 2001. During that time, Henderson was a 2-Time All-American, 2-Time All-SEC, and the Outland Trophy winner in 2000 for the Nation’s top interior lineman. Henderson was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and went on to spend 10 seasons in the NFL. Henderson was named All-Pro in 2006 and was named a Pro Bowler in 2004 and 2006.
Henderson joins former Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck, former Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, former Nashville Predators Captain Mike Fisher, Memphis Football linebacker Tim Harris, MTSU baseball legend Steve Smith, golfer Loren Roberts, Bristol Motor Speedway Co-Founder Carl R. Moore, ETSU Basketball Coach and Athletics Director Les Robinson, and Lady Vol Track star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison as 2023 Inductees. The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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