DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Wide receiver Chris Henry gushed with appreciation for being back in the NFL.

He hopes fans "will allow me the chance to gain their trust back."

Then he closed his 12-minute news conference Tuesday night, Aug. 19, by thanking his guardian angel — Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown.

"I spoke with him and thanked him in person for giving me this opportunity," Henry said.

Brown is responsible for re-signing Henry to a two-year contract, four months after the club released him in the wake of his fifth arrest in three years. Head coach Marvin Lewis and Henry's teammates support the decision.

"The owner has the final say," Lewis said. "Mike has wanted to give Chris this opportunity and asked we do the best job we can to prepare him and get him ready to play. That's what he asked me to do, and that's what we're going to do."

Henry is operating under a zero-tolerance policy during his four-game suspension.

"That's pretty much what I'm looking at," Henry said. "I'm not really worried or focused on that because I don't plan on getting into any trouble. I'm happy to be back and just ready to move forward, work on my game and do whatever I can to help the team."

Lewis believes Henry is a changed man since misdemeanor assault charges against him were dropped July 14.

"This last three, four months have been very humbling for Chris," Lewis said. "The week (after) the charges were dropped, the phone didn't ring. Being on the street was very humbling."

Teammates welcomed Henry back.

"It would have been a terrible waste for his talent to be on the street," offensive tackle Levi Jones said. "I'm glad he's getting another chance. Hopefully, he can right the ship. I know it's going to be an uphill battle for him, but he's my teammate, and I'm going to support him."

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