William Henderson (American football)


William Terrelle Henderson is a former American Football fullback who played 12 seasons for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League, with whom he won Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots. He played college football for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and was chosen by the Packers in the third round of the 1995 NFL Draft.

High school and college career

Henderson attended Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia. He played varsity football as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, but sat out his senior year due to a knee injury.
At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Henderson finished his career with 145 carries for 750 yards and 14 receptions for 97 yards.

NFL

Henderson was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1995, and has played every season in his career with the Packers. He came into the league as number 30, but after cornerback Doug Evans left, changed his number to 33.
Henderson was durable and effective for the Packers, solidifying the team at fullback after moving into the starting role in 1996. Nine times in his first 11 seasons he played in all 16 games. He was selected to 2004 Pro Bowl. His consistent play, especially in his later years, had many Packer players and fans calling him "Old Reliable."
Henderson played in 188 games for the Green Bay Packers putting him in 5th place for "Most Played Games Played" in the team's history. This speaks volumes about his value to his team. Only Brett Favre Donald Driver, Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke played in more games for the Packers. He also blocked for six of the top nine individual rushing efforts in team annals — Dorsey Levens' 1,435 yards in 1997, Ahman Green's 1,883 in 2003, 1,387 in 2001, 1,240 in 2002, 1,175 in 2000 and 1,163 in 2004.
Henderson was also valuable as pass catcher out of the backfield. As of 2008, he stands tenth all-time on the Packers' career receptions list with 320, and first among running backs. He also has 123 career rushing attempts for 426 yards.
On March 7, 2007, the Packers released Henderson amidst rumors that the Packers were trying to sign fullback Justin Griffith. GM Ted Thompson released the following statement. "We are releasing William at this point so he can pursue other opportunities within the National Football League," GM Ted Thompson said. "The Packers organization is extremely appreciative of his efforts over the past 12 seasons. His leadership and work ethic set an excellent example for everyone in our locker room. It is difficult to part with a high-character individual like William. He has been an influential person on several outstanding Packers teams over his career. He always will be considered a Packer."

NFL statistics

Rushing Stats
YearTeamGamesCarriesYardsYards per CarryLongest CarryTouchdownsFirst DownsFumblesFumbles Lost
1995GB157355.0170100
1996GB16391303.31401200
1997GB16311133.61501100
1998GB1623703.0921000
1999GB167294.1102200
2000GB162168.0120000
2001GB166111.840200
2002GB157273.9101200
2005GB161-5-5.0-50011
Career1881234263.51754011

Receiving Stats
YearTeamGamesReceptionsYardsYards per ReceptionLongest ReceptionTouchdownsFirst DownsFumblesFumbles Lost
1995GB153217.090000
1996GB16272037.52711310
1997GB16413679.02511711
1998GB16372416.51511311
1999GB16302036.82211111
2000GB16352346.7251911
2001GB16211939.2260800
2002GB15261686.51731200
2003GB16242148.92231400
2004GB16342397.03831500
2005GB16302648.83201300
2006GB1412625.2130300
Career1883202,4097.5381412854

Returning Stats
YearTeamGamesPunt Return AttemptsPunt Return YardsPunts Returned for TouchdownPunts Fair CaughtLongest Punt ReturnKickoffs Return AttemptsKickoff Return YardsKickoffs Returned for TouchdownKickoffs Fair CaughtLongest Kickoff Return
1996GB16000002380023
1999GB16000002230016
2000GB16000005800022
2001GB16000006620014
2003GB16000003330015
2004GB16000000160010
2005GB16000002200010
2006GB14000004410016
Career12600000263130023

Broadcasting

Henderson has eight years of broadcasting experience as co-host of Monday Night Kickoff, a show produced by Green Bay TV station WBAY. He also worked as an analyst as part of ESPN's NFL Draft coverage April 2006.
Henderson resides in Richmond, Virginia. He was selected as Green Bay's 2001 'Unsung Hero,' in recognition of his efforts both on the field and in the community.