While Tyrell Henry is defined in the public view by his on-field performances, the Wisconsin wide receiver told The Daily Cardinal he loves learning and performing card tricks as a hobby away from football.
Henry said he owns 40 decks of cards and uses them as a way to occupy his mind outside off the field. He also said he likes to make music to reset and recharge his body to be ready for gamedays.
“I have a different mindset than a lot of people when I am playing,” Henry told the Cardinal. “I'm peaceful when I play, I think of things that keep me calm, because I don't like playing the game angry. I don't like playing the game mad. I like being clear-minded and thinking freely.”
Henry said he believes players take football way too seriously for it being a “kids’ game.” He likes to crack jokes and keep the sideline atmosphere loose, trying to make sure his teammates are enjoying playing the game that they all love.
That mindset has followed Henry throughout his football career, from his childhood in southeast Michigan to his current role as an increasingly important piece of the Wisconsin offense.
Henry grew up in Roseville, Michigan and attended Roseville High School. He played both football and basketball in high school, and earned a three-star rating as the No. 17 high school senior wide receiver in Michigan.
Henry committed to Michigan State out of high school. His exceptional route-running and yards-after-the-catch potential also drew interest from other Big Ten football programs like Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska. Cincinnati also pursued Henry out of high school, whose head coach at the time was Luke Fickell.
During his college career, he has spent time as a kick and punt returner, along with playing wide receiver at Michigan State and now for Wisconsin.
Freshman Season
Henry played in eleven games for Michigan State his freshman season, primarily on special teams. He did not have any offensive yards in the 2022 season, but he had 10 returned kick offs that totaled 183 yards.
His most productive game came against Ohio State, where he had four returned kick offs for 96 yards.
Sophomore Season
Henry saw an increase in playing time and played in all 12 games for the Spartans during his sophomore season.
He was able to increase his special teams numbers to 12 returned kick offs that totaled 205 yards, along with returning 13 punts for 89 yards. He also became more involved in the offensive game plan, catching 24 passes that accounted for 195 yards and three touchdowns.
His best game came against Nebraska, with 73 total yards between four receptions, one kickoff return and one punt return.
After his second season with Michigan State, he decided to enter the transfer portal.
Even though he only played for the program for two seasons, Henry told the Cardinal he felt his time there built him mentally and helped him become a better man.
While searching for a new college football program to call home, Wisconsin stuck out to him.
“I think that out of the portal, I was looking for a place that knew I could call home and I could develop as a player, and I feel like [Fickell] offered me out of high school, and I trusted him,” Henry said.
Junior Season
He redshirted his 2024 season as a Badger, only playing in five games over his first season in Madison. He was able to return three punts for 17 yards, and one catch for 12 yards. He said he was drawn to the team’s atmosphere and Head Coach Luke Fickell.
“I knew him. I know the good things that he had going on, and what he's done before… I love the family vibe. I love the atmosphere. It felt like a get away from what I'm used to. A lot quieter here, so I just thought it was the best situation for me,” Henry told the Cardinal.
Redshirt Junior Season
Henry’s first unrestricted season with Wisconsin yielded five receptions, 29 receiving yards and one touchdown. He also had 23 rushing yards and 10 punt returns for 87 yards.
His most impactful game was against Maryland, where he was able to return two punts for 35 yards and have one reception for 5 yards.
Redshirt Senior Season
The 2026 season is Henry’s redshirt senior season. He has played in the Badgers’ first three games of the season.
Against Notre Dame, he had a modest four receptions that totaled 42 yards, and one returned punt for three yards.
Against Western Illinois, he was able to find more gaps in the defense and led the Badgers with 91 yards over four receptions, including a 51-yard reception late in the fourth quarter.
Against Eastern Michigan, Henry was in a record-breaking state of mind. He was finding gaps in the Eastern Michigan defense at will and his stats line more than proved that.
He had 160 receiving yards and one touchdown to go along with, a school single game record, fourteen receptions. His 14 receptions broke the previous record of 13 by Matt Nyquist against Iowa in 1995.
Henry said the game against Eastern Michigan will always hold a special place in his heart as his favorite memory as a Wisconsin Badger.
“I wouldn't give it up for anything,” Henry said.
Tyrell Henry’s determination for growth, on and off the field, has allowed him to position himself as a necessary piece of the badger offense. As his confidence and production continue to rise, he’s quickly becoming one of the players shaping Wisconsin’s identity moving forward.
