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Christopher “CJ” Henderson — Jacksonville Jaguars Cornerback, former University of Florida Gator, and Columbus High alum — may be only 22 years old and just starting his professional career but he has already established himself as both an outstanding athlete and a generous philanthropist.
Henderson announced that he will be donating $250,000 to renovate Christopher Columbus High School’s training room into a state-of-the-art athletic training and sports medicine center which will likely be the first of its kind for a high school.
“The Henderson Family Training Center will provide innovative services for our student-athletes at every level,” said Thomas Kruczek, Columbus president.
Plans for the 2,000-square-foot center include areas for evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. There will be whirlpools for hydrotherapy, massage chairs, and training tables for a variety of therapeutic modalities, as well as for nutrition and storage spaces.
“Our current facility will be completely remodeled and designed so that it empowers our students to heal, achieve, and excel in athletic performance,” Kruczek said.
After a successful career at both Columbus and the University of Florida, Henderson was selected by the Jaguars in 2020 as the No. 9 NFL overall draft pick, making him the second-highest drafted defensive back in franchise history. In his debut year with the Jaguars, he shined not only during play but also during the team’s community service endeavors which included delivering gifts to needy families through DJ Khaled’s Rescue Christmas Campaign this past December. He also worked to obtain a $2,500 NFL Draft High School Football Grant for the Columbus football team.
“I am very proud of CJ for all his accomplishments on and off the field,” said Marist Brother Herb Baker, Columbus head athletic trainer who cared for him during his time on the Explorer football and track teams. “As a Marist school, we encourage our young men to not only be good students but also good Christians and good citizens…to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in our world, and CJ is doing just that,” he said, adding that CJ was always a very respectful and appreciative young man and that he is pleased to see the training center take on his name.
He estimates that there are approximately 1,000 athletes that visit the training facility each year.
Another Columbus alum and stellar football player who spent time training with Br. Herb is CJ’s younger brother Xzavier Henderson, currently a wide receiver for the University of Florida.
“My brother and I will never forget our experiences at Columbus; the faculty and coaching staff really go above and beyond to help their students succeed,” CJ Henderson said. “This gift is a way for me to give back to the school who helped me so much. It feels good to know that I will play a part in helping future student-athletes at Columbus.”
The Henderson Family Athletic Training Center is estimated to cost approximately $500,000 and was scheduled to break ground in May with a projected completion date in August. The builder will be Vilar-Hoynack, the company that is currently constructing the school’s Marcus Lemonis and Mario Sueiras Center for Science and the Arts.
“We are so grateful to CJ and the entire Henderson family for this generous gift,” President Kruczek said. “The Henderson name on this facility will serve as an inspiration to all Columbus Explorers.”
