University of Maryland Athletics

April 27, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Linebacker E.J. Henderson, winner of the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker this past season, was the 40th selection overall on the first day of the annual National Football League draft Saturday.

Henderson was chosen in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings.

The product of Aberdeen, Md., closed out a stellar four-year college career this past season by leading the Terps to an 11-3 record and a win over Tennessee in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

In addition to winning the Butkus Award, Henderson was the recipient of the Bednarik Trophy (nation's top defensive player) and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year for a second straight season.