Henson knows he made right choice (Detroit News)

[Dallas31]

Henson knows he made right choice


By Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

Drew Henson is waiting his turn this season but is likely to be a Cowboys starter next season.

Drew Henson is a 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys quarterback, single, living in Dallas, where people love their football.

Life is good.

“It really is,” Henson said, laughing.

OK, so the single quarterback was headed home early Wednesday evening to grab some dinner before settling in to watch several hours of game film.

It isn’t exactly glamorous, but it is exactly what Henson wants as a former multisport standout at Brighton High and quarterback at Michigan.

The good news for Henson, who played professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization before leaving for the NFL last spring, is that he finally knows what he wants.

“Basically, since I was 16, I knew I was going to have a chance to play pro baseball and play big-time football,” Henson said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

“And for the longest time, I didn’t know. ... I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Henson said. “How do you pick between two things that you do really well and that you really love to do?

“At the time, when I was at (Michigan), I thought I wanted to play baseball. It was just a process that I just had to go through. People say, ‘Well, you missed three years of football.’ You know what? I probably learned more, and there are a lot of things I take from my baseball experience that will help somewhere down the road here, that I wouldn’t have had if I would have just jumped right into the (NFL). I was a New York Yankee, I met a lot of great people. Everybody has to kind of follow their path, and this is the way mine turned out.”

When Henson worked out for 20 teams on Feb. 12, it had been three years since he had played organized football. He had a separate workout with the Cowboys a few weeks later. During his abbreviated career at Michigan — Henson left before his final season to pursue baseball — he completed 214 of 374 passes for 2,946 yards and 24 touchdowns, with seven interceptions.

Henson signed an eight-year contract, with the final four years voidable. Although he’s earning the rookie minimum, $228,000, he reportedly has received a guaranteed $3.5 million, with contract incentives that will boost his annual compensation.

Longtime quarterback Vinny Testaverde is the Cowboys’ starter. He signed a one-year deal after being released by the New York Jets.

That means Henson is likely to be the Cowboys’ starter next season. Though he would like to play Sunday when the Lions come to town, he probably won’t.

Henson said his baseball experience helped him understand the value of patience. He is willing to wait his turn.

“I do feel ready,” said Henson, who is 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds. “I’ll make mistakes, everyone is going to, but I feel confident that I can run out there and get it done. I want to play, that’s everybody’s thing, but you want it to be in the right circumstance.

“You want to be prepared and be successful once you get in there. But I spent three years stressing myself and expecting everything to happen yesterday (while playing baseball). I’m looking forward to a little bit of patience right now.”

What he realizes now he enjoys about football is what he missed most while playing baseball — the overall athleticism, the running around, the instant decision-making, the take-charge role of the quarterback, and the physical nature of the game.

He has watched every pitch of the baseball playoffs and World Series, and he is even more assured he made the right decision to pursue professional football.

“It was strange — this was the first summer I haven’t played baseball since I was 5 years old,” Henson said. “It was weird being that time of year and not be going to the ballpark.

“But (football) fits my personality a little bit better. I like the preparation, I like practice. I like feeling like I can watch film of an opponent and prepare and all that stuff is going to help me in the game and on the field. You see the progress, and the harder you work is only going to help you.”

[LaTunaNostra]

Merged threads

[MichaelWinicki]

Give him more than 15% of the snaps this year and he gets a nice raise and we take a cap hit.

I would look for Romo this year before Henson anyway.

[SA_Gunslinger]

regardless of what happens or when it happens....i'm excited to see if this guy has what it takes.

i can't wait to see him play.

[Hostile]

Give him more than 15% of the snaps this year and he gets a nice raise and we take a cap hit.

I would look for Romo this year before Henson anyway.
He has voidable years incentives in each of the years of the contract. In other words it is going to be voided and a pay raise coming no matter what. They had to structure it this way to fit him under the cap. Jerry Jones said, "We want him to get a new contract."

[Hostile]

Everything I read about this kid just makes me want him on the field as soon as possible.

[SoTex]

Everythign I read about this kid just makes me want him on the field as soon as possible.

You and me both. I like his future.

[Hostile]

You and me both. I like his future.
Another great sig pic. The Outlaw Josey Wales has more great lines than any other Eastwood film.

"You a Bounty Hunter?"

"A man's got to do something for a living."

"Dying ain't much a living boy."

Classic.

[SoTex]

Another great sig pic. The Outlaw Josey Wales has more great lines than any other Eastwood film.

"You a Bounty Hunter?"

"A man's got to do something for a living."

"Dying ain't much a living boy."

Classic.

"How is it on tobacco stains?" (or something to that effect)

[Hostile]

"How is it on tobacco stains?" (or something to that effect)
"You gonna pull them pistols or whistle Dixie?"

[WV Cowboy]

I am ready to see what he has got too.
But Vinny will stay there while this season still has any chance at all, and I agree with that.

We gotta put good people around Henson before we throw him out there, ... to give him a chance to succeed.

We have a good TE, and a good possession receiver right now. When Glenn gets back, his receiver core should be set.

I have been a little disappointed with our run blocking this year, but have to admit they have protected Vinny very well.
Gotta get the running game going somehow.

A good OL is critical for a young QB.

Don't forget, we still have growing pains to go through with Henson.

I'm not looking forward to that.

[bysbox1]

We need to get him out there are soon as possible. I know they will stick with Vinny now. But hopefully he starts the last two games of the season (that's only 12.5% of the snaps).

I think Henson has the tools to be a starter.

[T-New41]

I am ready to see what he has got too.
But Vinny will stay there while this season still has any chance at all, and I agree with that.

We gotta put good people around Henson before we throw him out there, ... to give him a chance to succeed.

We have a good TE, and a good possession receiver right now. When Glenn gets back, his receiver core should be set.

I have been a little disappointed with our run blocking this year, but have to admit they have protected Vinny very well.
Gotta get the running game going somehow.

A good OL is critical for a young QB.

Don't forget, we still have growing pains to go through with Henson.

I'm not looking forward to that.

If our growing pains are anything like Pittsburgs, I would be ecstatic. But still, I know what you mean. I just hope that his transition to starter is overall pretty smooth and that we do indeed have our QB of the future. Even if there are some bumpy times.

[junk]

If our growing pains are anything like Pittsburgs, I would be ecstatic. But still, I know what you mean. I just hope that his transition to starter is overall pretty smooth and that we do indeed have our QB of the future. Even if there are some bumpy times.

QBs are such guesswork. Roethlisbergaeragsdfsaer was the third QB taken and rated below Manning and Rivers. Watching him play in college, I was far from impressed. Now he turns out to be a sharp looking prospect. I think easily the best looking (so far) of the last couple of years.

I think Henson has all the tools. I hope he comes on strong. I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in a QB next offseason to compete though. Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte or Kitna should he be released. None of those guys are great, but they might ease the transition if Henson isn't ready and provide nice depth if he is.

[WV Cowboy]

QBs are such guesswork. Roethlisbergaeragsdfsaer was the third QB taken and rated below Manning and Rivers. Watching him play in college, I was far from impressed. Now he turns out to be a sharp looking prospect. I think easily the best looking (so far) of the last couple of years.

I think Henson has all the tools. I hope he comes on strong. I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in a QB next offseason to compete though. Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte or Kitna should he be released. None of those guys are great, but they might ease the transition if Henson isn't ready and provide nice depth if he is.

I saw Big Ben play several times in college and was very impressed.
Still surprised by his early success though.

I wonder though if defenses will eventually reveal his weaknesses and inexperience.

He is probably taking a lot of teams by surprise now, just because they don't think a rookie can play like he has.

I hope Henson is as good.

A couple of more losses, and we might as well find out what we got.

[Hostile]

QBs are such guesswork. Roethlisbergaeragsdfsaer was the third QB taken and rated below Manning and Rivers. Watching him play in college, I was far from impressed. Now he turns out to be a sharp looking prospect. I think easily the best looking (so far) of the last couple of years.

I think Henson has all the tools. I hope he comes on strong. I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in a QB next offseason to compete though. Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte or Kitna should he be released. None of those guys are great, but they might ease the transition if Henson isn't ready and provide nice depth if he is.
I'd like some QB depth next year as well. No faith in Romo.

Kurt Warner may be an option.

Trent Dilfer as well.

Either one would suit me fine. Perhaps even Tim Couch would be healthy by then.

I think Henson will be better than a lot of people realize.

[BUSDRIV3RDH]

I think we're doing this all backwards with Vinny now..

Now that the season is d*mn close to being in the "tank", why not throw henson in, who feels he's personally ready, see if he starts a fire.. If it goes bad, atleast we have Vinny to fall back on. It's not like Vinny is putting us in awe and desicively being the reason we won either of the two games or a bright spot in our loses.

This would also answer questions we have about him sooner rather than later and give this team a positive moral boost and somethign to play for. Plus Henson get vaulable playing time.

Bill needs to stop worrying about Vinny's "feelings" and yank his a**!

[Juke99]

The guy is our next in the line of great Cowboy QB's.

[Fletch]

I think we're doing this all backwards with Vinny now..

Now that the season is d*mn close to being in the "tank", why not throw henson in, who feels he's personally ready, see if he starts a fire.. If it goes bad, atleast we have Vinny to fall back on. It's not like Vinny is putting us in awe and desicively being the reason we won either of the two games or a bright spot in our loses.

This would also answer questions we have about him sooner rather than later and give this team a positive moral boost and somethign to play for. Plus Henson get vaulable playing time.

Bill needs to stop worrying about Vinny's "feelings" and yank his a**!

No way would I endorse playing MUSICAL QB'S. If we yanked Vinny, replaced Vinny with Drew, knowing we do not have a legitmate running game, knowing we have our best WR in Terry Glenn hurt, then you're setting Drew up for failure in my opinion. This might be an all too often used statement, but the Cowboys do not need to jeopardize Drew's psyche like that.

Count me in as one of the many that definitely wants to see Drew this season, but only if Terry comes back healthy, and if the running game picks up. And yes I know a few of you are saying, "Well he is a professional, and he should be able to suck it up and handle it like a professional."
But at the same time, Drew is an investment. A pretty damn good investment at that. And as an investment, you handle him with care until the proper time. And right now, or even 3 or 4 games down the road from now is not the right time.

[Hollywood Henderson]

I agree Fletch,
Give Hensen some more time...
Bill isn't playing Vinny because he is worries about his feelings, its because he is the QB that gives us the best chance to WIN....

The D is where changes need to be made!
ASAP!
FIRE zimmy/squiggy

[4lifecowboy]

No way would I endorse playing MUSICAL QB'S. If we yanked Vinny, replaced Vinny with Drew, knowing we do not have a legitmate running game, knowing we have our best WR in Terry Glenn hurt, then you're setting Drew up for failure in my opinion. This might be an all too often used statement, but the Cowboys do not need to jeopardize Drew's psyche like that.

Count me in as one of the many that definitely wants to see Drew this season, but only if Terry comes back healthy, and if the running game picks up. And yes I know a few of you are saying, "Well he is a professional, and he should be able to suck it up and handle it like a professional."
But at the same time, Drew is an investment. A pretty damn good investment at that. And as an investment, you handle him with care until the proper time. And right now, or even 3 or 4 games down the road from now is not the right time.


I agree, but disagree with the not in 3 or 4 games down the road part. If the team's play hasn't improved in 3 or 4 games that is when it is time to throw him in.

[Tio]

QBs are such guesswork. Roethlisbergaeragsdfsaer was the third QB taken and rated below Manning and Rivers. Watching him play in college, I was far from impressed. Now he turns out to be a sharp looking prospect. I think easily the best looking (so far) of the last couple of years.

I think Henson has all the tools. I hope he comes on strong. I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in a QB next offseason to compete though. Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte or Kitna should he be released. None of those guys are great, but they might ease the transition if Henson isn't ready and provide nice depth if he is.Ben was the 2nd rated qb. San Diego just got stupid after Rivers' senior bowl game.

[Fletch]

I agree, but disagree with the not in 3 or 4 games down the road part. If the team's play hasn't improved in 3 or 4 games that is when it is time to throw him in.

I would make sure Terry Glenn is healthy and our WR core is intact before throwing Henson to the Wolves. Hopefully the running game will be in somewhat better shape as well.

[Nors]

The guy is our next in the line of great Cowboy QB's.

You might be dead on - I read posts comparing him to Favre, Aikman, Staubach. Granted the dude has only started 8 football games since 1998, but all that failure as a Baseball player has better prepared him to be a Stud NFL qb..............

He is in line - greatness awaits him? Man you are out on a limb. I hope you are right but you are getting set up for a huge heartbreak.

[blindzebra]

You might be dead on - I read posts comparing him to Favre, Aikman, Staubach. Granted the dude has only started 8 football games since 1998, but all that failure as a Baseball player has better prepared him to be a Stud NFL qb..............

He is in line - greatness awaits him? Man you are out on a limb. I hope you are right but you are getting set up for a huge heartbreak.

Would that be like your heartbreak over Carter, Law, and the soon to be one over Romo? :D

[Fletch]

You might be dead on - I read posts comparing him to Favre, Aikman, Staubach. Granted the dude has only started 8 football games since 1998, but all that failure as a Baseball player has better prepared him to be a Stud NFL qb..............

He is in line - greatness awaits him? Man you are out on a limb. I hope you are right but you are getting set up for a huge heartbreak.

Are we getting set up for heartbreak? Did that become clear to you when you polished your crystal ball? The guy has pedigree. I truly hope you are not one of those guys that is hoping Drew fails so you can say, "I told you so." :rolleyes:

[SuspectCorner]

Would that be like your heartbreak over Carter, Law, and the soon to be one over Romo? :D
i would like to see even YOU minimize the effect ty law would have had on dallas' pitiful pass coverage. so roll it out lippy...

[blindzebra]

i would like to see even YOU minimize the effect ty law would have had on dallas' pitiful pass coverage. so roll it out lippy...

The effect he'd have on our draft in 2005 or the effect he'd have on our salary cap for several years?

Could we use a CB? Yep, but Law and the cost he'd bring was not an option. It wasn't then and it's still not worth the cost.

I love how Romo is the new cause. You were wrong with your last cause and you are wrong now, so move on already.

[EGG]

"How is it on tobacco stains?" (or something to that effect)

My favorite:

Josey Wales: "When I get to likin' someone, they ain't around long. "
Lone Watie: "I notice when you get to DISlikin' someone they ain't around for long neither."