Jaguars CB CJ Henderson donates $250,000 to Alma Mater for new training facility

Announced earlier today, Jaguars cornerback CJ Henderson recently donated $250,000 to his high school in Miami, Christopher Columbus. The donation will be used to renovate their athletic training center and will be named the Henderson Family Training Center.

“My brother and I will never forget our experiences at Columbus; the faculty and coaching staff really go above and beyond to help their students succeed,” said Henderson.

“This gift is a way for me to give back to the school who helped me so much. It feels good to know that I will play a part in helping future student-athletes at Columbus.”

The renovations of the high school’s training room will transform it into a “state-of-the-art athletic and sports medicine center,” according to the release. It will be the first of its kind for a high school.

“We are so grateful to CJ and the entire Henderson family for this generous gift,” Thomas Kruczek, Columbus President. “The Henderson name on this facility will serve as an inspiration to all Columbus Explorers.”

Henderson, 22, was drafted by the Jaguars last year with the ninth overall pick, playing his collegiate career with the Florida Gators. Henderson would go on to start eight games for the Jaguars before being placed on the team’s reserve/injured list. He accounted for 27 solo tackles, six pass breakups and an interception.

Since then, Henderson has shown his commitment to education in numerous ways, including remaining focused and graduating earlier this month.

Now, Henderson will be giving back to his former high school in a way that has never before been seen for any high school.

“The Henderson Family Training Center will provide innovative services for our student-athletes at every level,” said Kruczek.

The renovation plans include areas for evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. It will also include whirlpools for hydrotherapy, massage chairs and training tables “for a variety of therapeutic modalities, as well as for nutrition and storage spaces.”

The center will be 2,000 square feet.

“Our current facility will be completely remodeled and designed so that it empowers our students to heal, achieve, and excel in athletic performance,” said President Kruczek.

There will be an estimated 1,000 athletes that will visit the training facility each year, according to Marist Brother Herb Baker, Columbus Head Athletic Trainer.

“As a Marist school, we encourage our young men to not only be good students but also good Christians and good citizens...to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in our world, and CJ is doing just that,” Baker added.

The center has an estimated cost of around $500,000 and is scheduled to break ground this month, and is also estimated to be completed in August.