Skip to main content

Five-star WR Chris Henry Jr. has an important three-word message

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby:Lawrence Fernandez•04/21/25•

lawandfern

Chris Henry Jr.
5-star WR Chris Henry Jr. (Photo: On3)

Chris Henry Jr. enters his final high school football season as the third-best wide receiver from the Class of 2026. He must play excellently because Mater Dei was last season’s consensus best team in the nation.

Performing at a high level isn’t easy, especially when he always has a target on his back. However, in addition to his physical attributes, Henry highlighted another reason that helped him maintain his peak form.

“Mental health matters.”

That’s Chris Henry Jr.’s tweet from April 14. Three words, but infinitely important not only to athletes like him but also to everyone. It’s a great reminder that even well-chiseled athletes put a premium on their cognitive well-being. In some ways, the wideout touched upon his past, present, and future with that short but profound post.

Mental health seemingly carried a dark cloud from his past as his father, Chris Henry, passed away at 26 after suffering a head trauma. Henry Sr. died while having a domestic dispute with his fiancée. However, even before that incident, the older Henry had some bouts with substance abuse, physical assault, and other violations of the league’s personal conduct policy.

At present, mental health must have helped Henry rack up 1,127 yards and ten touchdowns for Cincinnati Withrow in 2023. He must also bring his A-game in the upcoming season because he is playing for the defending CIF Open Division state champions.

Finally, Chris Henry Jr. would need a sharp mind to produce for his future team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. He must live up to the lofty standards that his predecessors left. It’s a tall order because Ohio State is ‘Wide Receiver University.’

Eight former Buckeyes are expected to play in the 2025 NFL season, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day would be thrilled if Henry is as good as any of those wide receivers.