Stanny
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Rookie takle Mario Henderson was the Raiders second pick of the third round during the 2007 NFL Draft.
Tony Gonzales
Mario Henderson. has always wanted to play at the next level. As a 375-pound freshman in high school, he realized that to continue to play football he needed to lose weight. He has lost weight every year since, becoming faster and adapting to the speed of the game at the next level. He changed his diet and exercise regimen to reflect this goal. Once in a while though, he’ll indulge himself with his favorite meal – his Grandma’s collard greens, cornbread, and honey-fried chicken.
Henderson’s father was shot and killed when he was two months old and his mother passed away from breast cancer when he was nine. But tragedy became a positive opportunity when Floridia and Herbert Pickens, his maternal grandparents, adopted him. He tries to make the best of every opportunity.
Henderson has always kept goals in mind when thinking of the future. He played football all four of his years at Florida State and pursued his goal in the classroom simultaneously. He’s 12 units short of his Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. Having his Bachelor’s degree shortens the amount of time it will take for him to earn his contractor’s license. Eventually, Henderson wants to become a residential contractor.
There is a less tangible, yet more important goal for Henderson – he wants to be a good father for his young daughter. “I have a six-month old daughter. I want to be a good father. I never had a father and a lot of kids don’t have a father. I would like to be there for my daughter, [to] raise her the right way,” he said.
Henderson has also set goals for the 2007 season. Making the team is his top priority. “My number one goal is to make the team. I can’t do anything if I don’t make the team. I just want to go out, play hard, [and] let the coaches know they can depend on me. Whether I’m starting, not starting, or just backing up, I don’t worry about all that. I just want to earn the coaches’ trust in me, [to know] I can perform when called upon."
He loves being an offensive lineman. This off-season has brought out a new facet to his game – run blocking. According to Henderson, he gets a chance to get in front of a running back and showcase his toughness. “I’ve changed myself, from college to the NFL. Anyone can pass block if they have quick feet and hands. It [run blocking] is not as hard as I thought it was. It’s getting easier because I’m learning the right technique. Just like Raider fans are tough, that’s how I have to be in the run game.”
While his goal is to make the team and contribute when called upon, he knows the Raider Nation will be waiting for him to step on the field. “I don’t know how excited the fans are to meet me, but I’m excited to meet the fans. More than I am to get a chance to play," Henderson exclaimed.
There is a lot more work to do, but with his goals in mind, Henderson knows the hard work is worth it.
Tony Gonzales
Mario Henderson. has always wanted to play at the next level. As a 375-pound freshman in high school, he realized that to continue to play football he needed to lose weight. He has lost weight every year since, becoming faster and adapting to the speed of the game at the next level. He changed his diet and exercise regimen to reflect this goal. Once in a while though, he’ll indulge himself with his favorite meal – his Grandma’s collard greens, cornbread, and honey-fried chicken.
Henderson’s father was shot and killed when he was two months old and his mother passed away from breast cancer when he was nine. But tragedy became a positive opportunity when Floridia and Herbert Pickens, his maternal grandparents, adopted him. He tries to make the best of every opportunity.
Henderson has always kept goals in mind when thinking of the future. He played football all four of his years at Florida State and pursued his goal in the classroom simultaneously. He’s 12 units short of his Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. Having his Bachelor’s degree shortens the amount of time it will take for him to earn his contractor’s license. Eventually, Henderson wants to become a residential contractor.
There is a less tangible, yet more important goal for Henderson – he wants to be a good father for his young daughter. “I have a six-month old daughter. I want to be a good father. I never had a father and a lot of kids don’t have a father. I would like to be there for my daughter, [to] raise her the right way,” he said.
Henderson has also set goals for the 2007 season. Making the team is his top priority. “My number one goal is to make the team. I can’t do anything if I don’t make the team. I just want to go out, play hard, [and] let the coaches know they can depend on me. Whether I’m starting, not starting, or just backing up, I don’t worry about all that. I just want to earn the coaches’ trust in me, [to know] I can perform when called upon."
He loves being an offensive lineman. This off-season has brought out a new facet to his game – run blocking. According to Henderson, he gets a chance to get in front of a running back and showcase his toughness. “I’ve changed myself, from college to the NFL. Anyone can pass block if they have quick feet and hands. It [run blocking] is not as hard as I thought it was. It’s getting easier because I’m learning the right technique. Just like Raider fans are tough, that’s how I have to be in the run game.”
While his goal is to make the team and contribute when called upon, he knows the Raider Nation will be waiting for him to step on the field. “I don’t know how excited the fans are to meet me, but I’m excited to meet the fans. More than I am to get a chance to play," Henderson exclaimed.
There is a lot more work to do, but with his goals in mind, Henderson knows the hard work is worth it.
