Friday, December 7, 2012

Chad Henne was recruited by Tony Sparano for the Jets

Quarterback Chad Henne is enjoying a career resurgence as the new lead-man for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If you let him tell it, regardless of how the chips would have fallen, he would have seen the field this year as he was heavily recruited by the New York Jets to back-up Mark Sanchez.

“Well, [offensive coordinator] Tony [Sparano] called me as soon as free agency opened,’’ Henne told the New York Post.

“Obviously Mark signed his contract before that, but they still were interested and wanted to get me in on a visit.

“But I had two visits already lined up, here at Jacksonville and also in Seattle, so New York kinda would’ve been my third opportunity. But it just didn’t work out. It was more coach Sparano and his offense feeling comfortable with me running that more than anything. Whether it worked out or not, it is what it is.’’

Henne is preparing to face Sparano and the Jets on Sunday and he’s aware that whether it is he or anyone else, a backup’s number can be called at any moment.

“It’s definitely tough,’’ Henne said. “Obviously that’s this league; it’s definitely a business, and it’s all about wins and losses and how you perform as a quarterback.

But no matter what situation you’re in, you just have to prepare like you’re the starter, never take your preparation lightly and always be ready because your number can be called any time and in any week.’’

Henne stated that he enjoyed playing for Sparano when he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

“We really enjoyed him down in Miami,’’ Henne said of Sparano. “He’s a hard-nosed guy, tells it how it is, very honest with you and up-front. I just really think he wants everybody to perform to the best of their ability. He’s gonna push you; he’s going to put you in situations in practice that make it hard, so it’s easier on gameday. But overall we loved playing for him, and really enjoyed his presence.’’

Imagine how different things would have been for both Jacksonville and New York had Henne signed on with the Jets prior to Tim Tebow’s arrival.

Adrian Glover

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