OU Mourns Passing of Zac Henderson

NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma mourns the passing of former safety Zac Henderson, a unanimous All-American who played on OU's 1974 and '75 national championship teams. He was 64.

A four-year starter for the Sooners, Henderson was recognized as a unanimous All-American as a senior in 1977 and honored as the New York Athletic Club Defensive Back of the Year. He also earned All-America status in 1976 and was a three-time All-Big Eight selection from 1975-77. He is credited as being OU's first full-time true freshman starter after the NCAA reinstated freshman eligibility in 1972.

In OU's national championship seasons of 1974 and '75, Henderson was part of a defense that allowed just 10.7 points per game (8.4 points per game in 1974) and helped the Sooners to a 22-1 record over the two campaigns.

Henderson, who started 42 of his 43 career games (each of the final 42), still holds the Oklahoma career record for tackles by a defensive back (299) and finished his career ranked second in OU history with 15 interceptions (currently tied for fourth on the school chart). He recorded seven interceptions during the 1977 season, tying a program record at the time. His career high for tackles was 16 against Missouri in 1976, the most by an OU defensive back when it occurred. He was credited with 22 career pass breakups, a figure which is tied for 16th in program history, but was good enough for second most at the time.

Born in Jena, La., Henderson attended high school in Burkburnett, Texas, before coming to OU. Following his college career, he played four years in the Canadian Football League and one with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1980. He spent two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1978-79) and two with the Toronto Argonauts (1982-83). In 1982 he recorded four interceptions and was named a CFL All-Star and a finalist for the league's top-defensive-player award, leading the Argonauts to the Grey Cup game.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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