Former NFL tight end Mitchell Henry, who spent five weeks with the Broncos in 2015, died Friday after a battle with leukemia. Henry was just 24 years old.
Henry, a 2015 undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, spent two years in the NFL with the Packers, Broncos and Ravens. In December 2016, doctors found a cancerous mass in Henry’s chest.
We're saddened with the passing of Mitchell Henry (TE in 2015), who fought a courageous battle with cancer. Our hearts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/qVrQ00A3RU
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 30, 2017
“It is with great sadness that we learned of Mitchell’s passing this morning,” Western Kentucky director of athletics Todd Stewart said in a statement Friday. “Mitchell was as committed to his teammates, his University, his friends and his family as anyone you will ever find, and we were so fortunate to have him as part of our Hilltopper family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his lovely wife Madison, and all of those who were blessed to have known Mitchell.”
In the Broncos locker room, Henry was friendly and welcoming during his short time with the team. Former teammates held Henry in high regards, including his former Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty who posted an emotional statement about him on Twitter Friday.
My letter to my dear friend @mitchhenry85. RIP Mitchell Henry pic.twitter.com/3WARDHkItR
— Brandon Doughty (@brandondoughty) June 30, 2017
The Broncos picked up Henry off waivers before the 2015 season opener. He played his two NFL regular-season games for Denver before being waived in October.
Henry posted a statement on Twitter in May asking for prayers as he fought leukemia.
— Mitchell Henry (@mitchhenry85) May 26, 2017
