Welcome Back

E.J. Henderson is back with the Minnesota Vikings. The team announced this week that Henderson would join their front office as the Youth Football Manager. In the position, he will work to push safety initiatives in youth football while also promoting the sport and the Vikings organization at a grassroots level, from the children in the Twin Cities to the suburbs and throughout the state. He will also assist with the team's youth football programs such as the Vikings of Tomorrow, Community Quarterback Awards, the All-State High School Football Team and Heads Up Football. The safety initiatives in youth football are of particular importance. The NFL and everyone even remotely connected to football are stressing an awareness of concussions. Diagnosing them, rehabbing them, and most importantly preventing them. Much of the prevention can start at the youngest level of football with better technique, equipment and awareness. This will be a part, perhaps the most important part, of Henderson's new role with the Minnesota Vikings.

E.J. Henderson spent the majority of his nine-year Vikings career as the starting middle linebacker. He was the last of a long line of terrific middle linebackers in team history. It might not be a history as illustrious as the Chicago Bears ridiculous wealth at the position but it's a fine history. Lonnie Warwick, Jeff Siemon, Scott Studwell, Jack Del Rio, Ed McDaniel and Henderson were among the best in the league for most of their NFL careers. The Vikings could use E.J. Henderson right now. But, that's another story. As a player, Henderson was a team leader and fan favorite. He always played with a passion that inspired those around him on the field, as well as off. He suffered a brutal leg injury late in the 2009 season. His loss was a huge loss in the run to the NFC Championship game that season. Some thought his career was over. Miraculously, he was ready for the 2010 training camp. He made his one Pro Bowl appearance after the 2010 season. He should have made several others. That is also another story.

E.J. Henderson is perfect for his new role. He spent a lot of his early years in a youth center as his father worked in one for about two decades. Throughout his Vikings career, Henderson showed a commitment to the Minnesota community and in particular to the youth of the community. His Youth Foundation and Game Speed Academy have been a Twin Cities area staple for years. It's great to see Henderson back with the Vikings doing what he's always enjoyed.