KJ Henry


Keith Jeremiah Henry is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Tigers football|Clemson Tigers] and was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Henry has also been a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Early life

Henry was born on January 27, 1999, in Athens, Ohio. His father Keith was an assistant coach under
Jim Grobe on the Ohio Bobcats football team. Henry's family moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 2001.
He attended West [Forsyth High School (North Carolina)|West Forsyth High School] in Clemmons, North Carolina, where he had 24 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 14 passes deflected as a senior for their football team in 2017. Rated a five-star recruit, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football for the Tigers at Clemson University.

College career

Henry played in four games for the Tigers as a freshman before redshirting. He played in all 15 of the Tigers' games as a redshirt freshman, making 22 tackles with two sacks.
As a sophomore, he appeared in 15 games as a backup, registering 22 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 passes defensed.
As a junior, he appeared in 13 games, collecting 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He earned a degree in sports communication in December 2020 before receiving a Master's Degree in athletic leadership in December 2021.
Henry considered entering the 2022 NFL draft, before opting to return to Clemson for a fifth season. He started all 14 games, tallying 59 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 24 quarterback pressures, 6 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Against Georgia Tech, he had 6 tackles, one sack, 5 quarterback pressures and one forced fumble.

Professional career

Washington Commanders

Henry was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 12, 2023. He appeared in 10 games, registering 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 passes defensed.
In 2024, the Commanders hired new head coach Dan Quinn. On August 27, 2024, Henry was released as part of final roster cuts before the start of the season.

Cincinnati Bengals

On August 28, 2024, Henry was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He appeared in 2 games as a backup and did not post any stats. He was waived on September 17, and re-signed to the practice squad.

Dallas Cowboys

On October 1, 2024, Henry was signed by the Dallas Cowboys off the Bengals practice squad. He was acquired to provide depth after defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence was placed on the injured reserve list. He was declared inactive in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He recorded one sack and 3 tackles in the 9–47 loss against the Detroit Lions. He was declared inactive for the games in Week 9, Week 10 and Week 11. He was waived on November 23. He appeared in 2 games as a backup, playing mainly on special teams during his time with the team and was released after defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was activated from injured reserve.

Philadelphia Eagles

On November 26, 2024, Henry was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. He won a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX. He signed a reserve/future contract on February 14, 2025. On July 22, Henry was waived by the Eagles.

Cleveland Browns

On July 23, 2025, Henry was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. He was waived on August 24 and re-signed to the practice squad on September 10. On September 23, Henry was released from the practice squad.

Philadelphia Eagles (second stint)

On October 2, 2025, Henry signed with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, but was released the next day.

Pittsburgh Steelers

On October 11, 2025, Henry signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. He was waived on November 4.

Cleveland Browns (second stint)

On November 11, 2025, Henry signed with the Cleveland Browns' practice squad.

Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)

On January 14, 2026, Henry signed a reserve/futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.