Running back Travis Henry entered the NFL with a lot of promise. Although he was small, he was quick, could slash through defenders and was a better than average receiver. But right now, after seven years in the pros, he’s a player without a team as the Denver Broncos cut the veteran on Monday, June 2.
Henry, who has had injury issues, has gained 1,000-plus yards three of his seven professional seasons. In 2002 and 2003 with the Buffalo Bills, he gained 1,438 yards in 16 games and 1,356 yards in 16 games. With the Tennessee Titans in 2006 he accumulated 1,211 yards in 12 contests.
Henry was drafted by the Bills in 2001 in the second-round as the 23rd pick overall. He played his college ball at Tennessee. After spending four years with Buffalo, the running back played for Tennessee (2005- 2006) and Denver (2007). In the last four seasons, Henry missed 19 games. He’s run the ball for a total of 38 touchdowns and also made two TDs on receptions.
During his career, the runner made 31 fumbles, losing 16 of them. His worst season was on 2002 when he lost control of the ball 11 times, giving it to opponents eight of those times. In his last four seasons, he’s become a better ball handler.
He was entering the second year of a five-year free agent deal worth a total of $22.5 million, $6 million of which was in the form of a signing bonus. After a disappointing, injury filled 2007, his contract was restructured with Henry taking an $11 million cut.
The running back has been nursing a hamstring injury that he suffered last month while running sprints. Last season, he had numerous knee issues and also failed a drug test that might have had him sit out a year.
Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan commented in a statement, “Although Travis has the ability to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our organization and its goal of winning a Super Bowl.” He added, “We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team.”
Last week, the Broncos added former Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman to bolster their ground attack. When that happened, it started to become clear that Henry might not be long for the Broncos.
In the first month of 2007, things looked bright for the Denver running back as he led the league in rushing. But injuries plus the drug charges stymied his season. The Broncos had hoped that Henry would be key in getting them to the playoffs. But last season the club missed the post-season with a 7- 9 record.
Running backs that remain in camp, along with Pittman, include Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain. Henry, however, is out of Denver.
