In one of the most powerful and emotional television segments we’ve ever seen, CBS told the story of Chris Henry during the Patriots-Lions pregame show. We all know many of the details regarding the life and death of former West Virginia University and Cincinnati Bengals receiver. But there was more to the story that not many previously knew.
After it was clear that a December 2010 accident would claim his life, Henry’s mother decided to donate his organs. Four different families benefited from the gift, and CBS has crafted a moving account of the day on which Carolyn Glaspy met the people whose lives were saved in the wake of her son’s passing.
Meeting with the persons who received a second chance at life because of Chris Henry’s death, Carolyn Glaspy said before breaking down, “I think this is my closure.”
Following the segment, NFL Today host James Brown couldn’t speak. Boomer Esiason stepped in, and his voice broke as he pointed out that his son, Gunnar, may eventually need a lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis, a disease that has prompted Boomer to raise millions of dollars over the years for research into a cure.
We’re hoping to track down a link to the video. When we do, we’ll share it here. After you watch it, we predict you’ll call a loved one into the room to watch it with you again.
UPDATE: The video has been posted at the CBS Sports website.