Mario Henderson facts for kids

Mario Henderson (October 29, 1984 – October 21, 2020) was an American professional football player. He played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). An offensive tackle is a player who blocks defenders to protect the quarterback and help the running backs. Mario spent his first four years with the Oakland Raiders. He was chosen by the Raiders from Florida State in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Mario Henderson's Early Football Journey

Mario Henderson started his football journey at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida. When he was a freshman, he weighed 375 pounds and had never played football before. His first year playing was during his freshman year. He also played on the varsity team in the 2000-2001 season at Verot.

After his sophomore year, Mario moved to Lehigh Senior High School. Because of transfer rules, he could not play football during his junior year. He used this time to get in better shape. In his senior year, he earned a scholarship to Florida State University. During his senior year, he was also a great basketball player. He averaged 28 points and 14 rebounds per game. He was named first-team all-state and first-team all-county for the Lehigh Senior basketball team.

Mario Henderson's Professional Football Career

Playing for the Oakland Raiders

Mario Henderson was picked by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. This was after he had only started one year in college. In his second year with the Raiders, he started several games. He played as the left tackle, taking the place of an injured player named Kwame Harris. Mario then became the Raiders' full-time left tackle for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 seasons.

Time with the Colorado Ice

After playing in the NFL, Mario Henderson joined the Colorado Ice. This team is part of the Indoor Football League. He played for them during the 2011 season.

Joining the San Diego Chargers

Mario Henderson signed with the San Diego Chargers on April 13, 2012. However, he was released from the team on August 31, 2012. This happened during the final cuts before the season started.

Playing for the Utah Blaze

On November 9, 2012, Mario Henderson signed with the Utah Blaze. This team is part of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was later placed on a list that meant he did not report to the team on March 1, 2013.

Second Time with the Colorado Ice

Mario Henderson returned to play for the Colorado Ice in May 2013. This was his second time playing for the team.

With the Tampa Bay Storm

Mario Henderson signed with the Tampa Bay Storm in March 2014. This team is also in the AFL. He signed with them again on October 9, 2014, after the 2014 season ended. He was placed on a list that meant he did not report to the team on March 5, 2015. He was later reassigned on March 1, 2016.

Mario Henderson's Life and Passing

Mario Henderson passed away on October 21, 2020, at the age of 35.