Former CFL defensive back Zac Henderson passes away at age 64

Toronto Argonauts (Wikimedia Commons)

Former Canadian Football League defensive back Zac Henderson of Jena, Louisiana passed away at the age of 64 on Monday according to Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman. The cause of death at this time is unknown.

Henderson played four seasons in the CFL (two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 1978 to 1979 and two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts from 1982 to 1983). Henderson’s finest CFL season came in 1982 when he had a career high four interceptions for 54 yards and one sack. His four interceptions were impressive when you consider the fact he was a linebacker and not a cornerback. That year he was a CFL All-Star and won the James P. McCaffrey Trophy, which is presented to the most outstanding defensive player in the CFL’s Eastern Division.

Henderson finished his CFL career with nine interceptions for 128 yards and one touchdown. His lone touchdown came in a 23-16 Tiger-Cats win over the Argonauts on November 5, 1978.

In addition to playing four seasons in the CFL, Henderson played one season in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1980. After his CFL career, he also played two seasons with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the now defunct United States Football League in 1984 and 1985.

Henderson also played college football at the University of Oklahoma. He won a national championship with the Sooners at the National Collegiate Athletic Association level in 1974 and again in 1975. He was considered the best defensive back in the NCAA in 1977.

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