10 best NFL careers in Tennessee football history
. John Henderson. DT. player. 52. . 2002-2011. John Henderson. . John Henderson (All-Time List)
John Henderson was drafted No. 9 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2002 NFL Draft and immediately impacted Jacksonville's defensive line as a rookie. He started 13 of 16 games, kickstarting his eight-year career in Jacksonville and two years with the Oakland Raiders.
He is a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro defensive lineman with the Jaguars. He finished his career with 492 tackles, 29 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. He is most famously remembered by today's generation for his pregame "ritual," which includes a Jaguars trainer slapping him as hard as he can.
Better late than never but, JAGS PLAY FOOTBALL TODAY! Lead the way Big John Henderson! #DUUUVAL #DTWD pic.twitter.com/HEe3EGYym1
— JohnnyboyJagz™️ (@johnnyboyjagz) September 10, 2023
Henderson is still beloved on campus, as are many of the guys on this list, and threw out the first pitch before Tennessee baseball's Saturday game against Missouri. He spent the last two seasons of his career with the Raiders before retiring after the 2011 season.