Chad Henne, a former quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, participated in some of the school’s most memorable victories and historic defeats. He led U-M in several statistical categories over his four years as a starter. As he prepares to retire, he reflects on his time as a Wolverine, his professional career, and what life is like after playing.
On the “In the Trenches” program, Jon Jansen questioned Henne about his lengthy career.
Looking back on Henne’s Michigan career
Henne is a part of a memorable freshman class that includes offensive lineman Jake Long and running back Mike Hart. Henne ended up playing for Michigan, he says, because of his relationship with former coach Scott Loeffler. He learned a lot about fundamentals from Loeffler and felt Ann Arbor was the best place for him.
Once on campus, Henne said he was working to compete for the starting quarterback role instantly. He didn’t expect to win it immediately, but he put in the effort and earned it at the end of the day. When head coach Lloyd Carr told Henne he’d be starting, Henne recounts Carr asking if he was scared.
“No sir, I’m ready to go,” Henne replied. He also outlined how a feeling of butterflies is normal ahead of any game, but you have to trust your preparation.
Henne, Long and Hart are some of the most memorable freshmen to start a season together. Henne said it was impressive to see those guys “carry on the tradition together.”
While there are plenty of positives from Henne’s time at Michigan, but also some of the lowest points in program history, including an upset loss to Appalachian State. Henne says the team wasn’t prepared mentally for the game and they didn’t have enough focus leading up to the game. Thankfully they went out on a high note that year, with a win in Carr’s final game over the Florida Gators.
Assessing Michigan’s rivalries with Michigan State and Ohio State
Henne returned for his senior season to try and pick up a win against the Buckeyes. That never happened unfortunately, but he recounts The Game as one that normally carries respect from one team to the other. According to Henne, the same can’t be said about Michigan State.
Jansen asked Henne about the triple overtime win over the Spartans, and Henne, like most of us, called it the “Braylon Edwards show.” He picked up four wins over the Spartans, but described the rivalry as “a little dirty.” It’s nice to know the players feel similarly to the fans.
Henne says the rivalry with the Buckeyes was “more clean and had more respect,” but Michigan State was “gritty” and that he didn’t respect them as much.
Jansen covers Michigan games through radio broadcasts alongside Henne’s former teammate and wideout Jason Avant. Jansen asked for Henne’s response to Avant taking back the Michigan flag after the upset win in Columbus last season.
