Henry’s legacy an example for others
The Monday, Sept. 8, edition of the Butler Eagle, showcased the unveiling of a sign in honor of the late East Brady and Seneca Valley coach Terry Henry in “Hall of Famer Jim Kelly helps honor late football coach Henry.”
The sign, unveiled Saturday, Sept. 6, during youth football game activities at the Bradys Bend Sports Complex, honors a man who racked up an impressive 143-64-5 record between his time with East Brady and Seneca Valley.
That record is worthy of appreciation itself, but the honor also prompts reflection on Henry’s legacy through the lasting impression he left on the lives of those he touched.
One such life is that of Jim Kelly.
Kelly would go on to become a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback after playing with the Buffalo Bills for 11 years, including a stint from 1990 to 1993 during which he led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
You would be hard-pressed to name a player held in higher esteem by Buffalo football faithful, but before he went on to professional glory with the Bills, he was an East Brady Bulldog.
During the sign unveiling, Kelly took time to speak to the young football players and attendees about the lasting impact coach Henry had on him, both on and off the field.
Speaking to the young players, Kelly told them, “I just want all you young men to know that you want to bust your butt, you want to work as hard as you can … What I always used to say and coach taught me this is when you play the game of football, know who you’re playing against. Know the individual you’re playing with beside you and you want to make sure when you walk off that football field that you are walking with your head held up high and you gave everything you had because you don’t want that guy on the other sideline thinking he beat you.”
Kelly cited Henry as a big part of his success as a pro and noted he was more than just his coach.
“He was not only my best friend, but he’s one of the main reasons I wear a gold jacket,” Kelly said of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kelly wasn’t alone in voicing his admiration for Henry on Saturday. Others honoring the late coach included his wife, fellow coaches who worked with him and former players.
Tim Parish, who coached with Henry at Seneca Valley, summed his legacy up saying simply, “He changed people’s lives.”
We should all strive to leave behind a legacy that means so much.
— JP
