Mitchell Henry Dies Of Leukemia

Mitchell Henry, a tight end who played two years in the NFL, died on Friday after a battle with leukemia, ESPN.com reports. He was 24.

The Ravens released Henry from their practice squad in November of last year, and after returning home to Kentucky, he experienced pain in his shoulder. A subsequent hospital visit revealed a mass in Henry’s chest, leading to an acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis. He began chemotherapy treatments soon after.

Henry came to the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky. He initially entered the league as a Packers signee, but after being cut following the 2015 preseason, the former Hilltoppers standout landed with the Broncos via waiver claim.

Although Henry’s stint in Denver lasted just two games, the only two regular-season contests in which he would play during his two-year NFL career, he collected a Super Bowl ring for his efforts. Henry returned to the Packers after the Broncos waived him in midway through that season and signed a reserve/futures contract with Green Bay in 2016.

“We were very saddened to learn of the passing of Mitchell Henry,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. “During his time with the Packers, he quickly became a beloved member of our family and made a terrific impression on everyone in our organization. We were fortunate to have had him in our lives. On behalf of the Packers family, we offer our condolences to Mitchell’s wife, Madison, and his family and friends.”

We at PFR offer our thoughts and condolences to Henry’s family and friends.