Chas Henry

Chas Henry (born January 6, 1989) is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). Henry played college football for the Florida Gators, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Ray Guy Award. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2011.

Early life

Henry was born in Dallas, Georgia. He attended East Paulding High School in Dallas, and he played high school football for the East Paulding Raiders. As a sophomore in 2008, Henry was a member of the Gators' BCS National Championship team.

During his senior season in 2010, Henry punted 50 times for 2,253 yards (a 45.1-yard average), including his season-best punt of 75 yards. Sixteen of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line and only thirteen were fair caught. Memorably, Henry also assumed place-kicking duties when starting place kicker Caleb Sturgis was injured, and kicked the 37-yard, game-winning field goal in the Gators' 34–31 overtime victory over the rival Georgia Bulldogs while several Bulldog assistant coaches attempted to distract him from the sideline.

Following the 2010 regular season, Henry was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, and received the Ray Guy Award, awarded to the best punter in college football. He was one of three finalists for the award in 2009, and one of ten semifinalists in 2008.

Professional career

Philadelphia Eagles

After he was not selected in the 2011 NFL draft, Henry signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. He opened the 2011 NFL season as the Eagles' starting punter. Henry committed a Monday Night Football blunder against the Chicago Bears in a Week 9 loss, in which he botched a fake punt, and his pass was underthrown.

Henry was released by the Eagles on September 25, 2012.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Henry was signed by the Buccaneers on February 13, 2013, and was competing for the starting spot against Michael Koenen. Henry was cut by Tampa Bay on August 31, 2013.