Thomas Henderson

Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League, where he played for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers, and Miami Dolphins. He earned his spot in the NFL after an impressive college football career at Langston University, where he received All-City honors playing defensive end at Douglass High School. Henderson was a star in the league, making significant appearances in the Pro Bowl in 1978 and being part of the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl XII champions team.

Henderson's exceptional athletic abilities were recognized multiple times throughout his football career. He was selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft and was part of the Dirty Dozen draft. He made his mark on special teams during his first two years before becoming a starter at strongside linebacker in 1977. Not only was he selected to the Pro Bowl at the end of the 1978 season, but he also earned the titles of Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year in 1974, 2× NAIA All-American in 1973 and 1974, and 2× Little All-American in the same years. His exceptional career led to his induction into the Langston University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Known by his nickname "Hollywood" for his flamboyant play and high-visibility lifestyle, Henderson faced personal challenges post-football. In 1981, he courageously admitted to a drug problem and entered a rehabilitation program. This journey led him to become an active advocate for sobriety, publicly sharing his transformation and redemption journey. He authored the books "Out of Control: Confessions of an NFL Casualty" in 1987 and "In Control: The Rebirth of an NFL Legend" in 2004.

In 2000, Henderson won the Lotto Texas US$28 million jackpot, which he used for philanthropy. He founded East Side Youth Services & Street Outreach, making major donations to the East Austin community where he grew up. He also built a youth football stadium in Austin, Texas, in the early 1990s and raised funds for his alma mater's school track by fasting on the field. Henderson gives motivational speeches and sells videos of his anti-drug seminars.