Vikings middle linebacker E.J. Henderson isn't a guy who has any interest in being in the spotlight. Henderson, however, does a lot of work behind the scenes and today was named the Vikings community man of the year for 2009.
Henderson has volunteered his time with several local organizations including the United Way, Police Athletic League, Minneapolis Park and Recreation board, Arc Greater Twin Cities and the Boys and Girls clubs of the Twin Cities. In June 2007, he established the E.J. Henderson Youth Foundation to benefit underserved Twin Cities urban youth. Henderson's GameSpeed Sports Academy is based in Eden Prairie.
Henderson is one of 32 team representatives, one of which will be named the Walter Payton Man of the Year at this year's Super Bowl. Henderson will get a $1,000 check for this youth foundation through NFL charities.
"I think it's pretty special," Henderson said of getting the award. "I think Matt Birk always used to win it. I know the type of community work he used to do, I know he was really involved so it's a honor to be considered one of the guys from 32 teams, especially from the Vikings because there's a lot of guys doing good things in the community. So it's good to be recognized."
