R.I.P. Chris Henry 1983-2009

It's at these times the games don't really matter.
I literally tossed and turned last night, sick from the news that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had been in a serious accident in Charlotte.
Following a domestic dispute, the five-year pro jumped into the bed of the pickup his fiancee was driving away from the residence. At some part of the ride, Henry was ejected, suffering fatal injuries the result of the incident.
He was 26.
At that age, the belief for most of us is that we're only showing signs of our future potential.
Henry was certainly beginning to blossom, getting his life turned around after being classified as one of the NFL's "thugs," a guinea pig along with former NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones of Commissioner Roger Goodell's league Personal Conduct Policy.
At one point, it seemed he had exhausted his final opportunity to stay in the league after multiple arrests.
But Henry turned his life around. With the help of his girlfriend, it seemed the Bengals receiver was on the right track.
Often crediting her with his turnaround in interviews, Henry convinced all of us he was serious about making a change. A father of three kids, it was apparent to those in NFL circles this young man wanted to be an example to not only his children, but use his status to maybe help that youth looking for someone to look up to.
But on an overcast day in Charlotte, that all was flushed away from him; so quickly, so suddenly.
Reading and seeing the reaction of his teammates and fellow NFL players, it really put into perspective how X's and O's took a backseat to the welfare of a team and a family who has lost a loved one.
Regarded to some as an "organized fight," players often build a certain hate for rivals on the other sideline. But the loss of a life or an unfortunate occurrence in one's life brings out the best in NFL stars, showing there is more to making millions, being paid to play a "boy's game" and entertain us.
Underneath that tough exterior, there is a heart.
Understandably, the hearts of Cincinnati Bengals players, management and fans broke this morning learning of Henry's death. For someone who seemingly had a bright future ahead of him, the receiver's passing is a bitter pill to swallow.
It will definitely be hard for the team to focus and prepare for its pivotal matchup with San Diego this Sunday. As big as this game is toward the Bengals' common goal of a Super Bowl, it lacks importance to the loss of a teammate, brother and friend.
My prayers go out to Henry's family, the Cincinnati Bengals organization, and those affected by his loss.