NFL legend Thomas Henderson had one of the most topsy-turvy careers in NFL history — and he struck gold by winning the lottery at the age of 47.
The Austin, Texas native, 70, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1975 NFL draft.
Thomas Henderson won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1977
He also earned Pro Bowl honor in that same season
Henderson won the $28million lottery in 2000 and lectures after dealing with drug and alcohol problems
He was a part of the Cowboys’ Dirty Dozen, which is arguably the best draft class in the team’s history.
Thomas entered the NFL alongside Randy White, Bob Bruenig, Herb Scott, and Pat Donavon.
After playing in special teams early on in his career, legendary coach Tom Landry gave the starting role to Henderson in 1977.
And he helped the Cowboys dominate as the team won Super Bowl 12 handily over the Denver Broncos.
He posted 75 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and recovered a pair of fumbles which led to being named to the Pro Bowl.
Henderson would call himself Hollywood due to his lively play and over-the-top lifestyle.
However, Henderson’s career went downhill in 1979 as the lifestyle of drugs and alcohol caught up with him.
During games, the linebacker snorted liquid cocaine from an inhaler he hid in his pants.
And during a Week 12 blowout loss against Washington, Henderson mugged for the camera and showed handkerchiefs with the Cowboys team logo.
Coach Landry would place him on the reserve/retired list as punishment and the Cowboys eventually dealt him to the San Francisco 49ers.
He’d play only six more professional games in the NFL.
In 1981, the Langston product signed himself into a drug rehabilitation program.
Two years later, in 1983, Henderson became clean and sober.
Henderson won the Lotto Texas $28million jackpot in 2000.
He proceeded to start a charity called the East Side Youth Services & Street Outreach and has donated to the East Austin community where he grew up.
The 70-year-old also lectures and sells videos of his anti-drug seminars.
Henderson is a father of two daughters and also has five grand𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren.
