Bengals' Henry Having Great Offseason

For a long time, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry has only been known because of his off-field behavior. He became a poster boy of sorts for the Bengals' problems, actually getting cut at one point last year, then signed again a few months later.

As Henry prepares for his fifth NFL season, it appears that the light is starting to flicker for the former West Virginia star. Teammates and coaches are praising Henry, saying he's having the best offseason of his career.

Of course, a great offseason doesn't always translate to a great season. However, Henry appears to be growing up right in front of the Bengals.

"This is a great opportunity for me that I'm going to make work," Henry said. "I just got tired of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I had to do it for me and my family. I love to play football and I don't want to blow it.

"It's totally different. I'm not worried about anything negative going on in my life. I'm out here practicing with my teammates and go home to my family."

Yes, we're talking about the same Chris Henry. It's kind of refreshing to hear an athlete say something like "I don't want to blow it", because it's an acknowledgment that said athlete is at least trying to take some responsibility.

It helps that quarterback and on-field leader Carson Palmer appears to be firmly in Henry's corner.

"He's rededicated his life which is exciting to see and fun to work with," Palmer said on Tuesday. "He's been here to work and coming in with that mindset it's great for the young players to see."

Said Henry of Palmer's support: "He was there supporting me through my tough times and he's still there now. Now we're on a different page, he's always looking for me and I'm there."

A rejuvenated and focused Henry makes the Bengals a very dangerous offensive team. Combine his obvious physical talents with Laveranues Coles and Chad Ochocinco, and Palmer will have no shortage of guys he can throw the football to.