In a heartwarming twist of fate, former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne is set to make a triumphant return to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, sending shockwaves of excitement through Chiefs Kingdom. Though he officially hung up his cleats after the Chiefs' exhilarating victory in Super Bowl LVII, Henne's legacy lives on in the hearts of fans, who fondly remember his crucial role in the team's recent playoff runs as the backup to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
This Thursday, Henne will once again don the red and gold as he takes center stage before the home opener, symbolically banging the drum to kickstart the game's festivities.
Adding to the excitement of the home opener, the Tony DiPardo Spirit Leader for this game is none other than Sanay Cherry-Ownes, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Missouri Youth of the Year. Her presence will undoubtedly inspire the crowd and remind everyone of the positive impact sports can have on young lives.
One of the defining moments of Henne's tenure as the Chiefs' backup quarterback occurred during the AFC Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a memorable showdown. With Patrick Mahomes nursing an ankle injury and trainers working tirelessly to get him back on the field, Henne stepped up in a heroic fashion, rallying the team to a crucial touchdown drive.
This was not an isolated incident. In the 2020 Divisional Round game against the Cleveland Browns, Henne once again found himself in a high-stakes situation. Mahomes had left the game with a concussion, leaving Henne to navigate the critical moments of the fourth quarter. With incredible composure, he completed several key fourth-quarter conversions, securing the victory and advancing the Chiefs one step closer to their Super Bowl aspirations.
Henne's journey to becoming a Chiefs legend is a remarkable one. He began his 13-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, where he served as the team's starting quarterback for two seasons. Following his stint in Miami, he spent five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting a total of 16 games during his time there. In 2018, he made his way to Kansas City, where he became an integral part of the Chiefs' success until his retirement earlier this year.
