Cowboys ‘Dallas Day' Visitor Reflects on Emotional Journey

If it wasn't for a last-minute chance to play at AT&T Stadium in the Shrine Bowl, you probably wouldn't know the name Andrew Henry. If you're unfamiliar, his football journey and professional aspirations are as inspiring as any this NFL Draft season.

The Shrine bowl is the longest-running college football all-star game, celebrating the 100th annual showing in 2025. The game serves as an opportunity for lesser-known collegiate prospects and upperclassmen to showcase their skills ahead of the Scouting Combine each year.

After a late roster spot opened up, New Mexico running back Andrew Henry got the call. While it would be difficult to suit up and participate with minimal preparation, he jumped at the opportunity.

He knew his entire football journey - through all the peaks and valleys - had been leading up to this.

Henry grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, first attending Episcopal School of Dallas for high school. When he received little attention from college recruiters, he transferred to Allen High School figuring if he could succeed on one of Texas' most premier and reputable football programs, he would be alright.

That is exactly what happened ... until his dreams were cut short from a season-ending ACL tear during his senior year. All of the offers and interest he had received from college coaches was slowly taken off the table.

"I cried, and I cried and cried,” Henry recalled.

After high school, he went the junior college route to regain his confidence and love for the sport post-surgery. He played for Fort Scott Community College and Trinity Valley Community College before his JUCO career got stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next, Henry took his talents to Louisiana Monroe for two seasons of solid production. In 2023 he transferred to New Mexico for his final two years of DI eligibility.

After another productive 2023, Henry faced the unexpected yet again. His final year of eligibility in 2024 had been revoked due to inaccurate transfer information between his various stops.

He then dedicated last season solely to training for the NFL Draft. When the chance to play in the Shrine Bowl came in January, Henry made the most of the opportunity by rushing for 68 yards (second most in the game) off of 6.2 yards per carry.

At New Mexico's Pro Day, he proved even more that his time off was well spent and put up a quality showing.