BREAKING NEWS: Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry has unexpectedly become a co-sponsor of the United Way Worldwide effort to rebuild 300 homes for Texas residents affected by floods, but most notably, a 9-year-old girl in the flood area sent him a thank you letter that was both sweet and full of gratitude

In an unexpected but heartwarming turn of events, Derrick Henry, the star running back for the Baltimore Ravens, has pledged his support as a co-sponsor for the United Way Worldwide initiative aimed at rebuilding 300 homes for Texas residents devastated by recent floods. Known for his on-field dominance and imposing presence, Henry has also shown a remarkable commitment to giving back to communities in need, and this latest move solidifies his reputation as someone who uses his platform for positive change.
But what has truly captured the public’s attention is a thank-you letter from a 9-year-old girl living in one of the flood-affected areas. The letter, which was both touching and full of gratitude, struck a chord with Henry, leading to a public display of appreciation for the young girl’s kind words. This unexpected connection has sparked a wave of support for the United Way initiative and has further endeared Henry to fans and families across the nation.
The story begins with the devastating floods that struck parts of Texas, leaving thousands of families displaced and hundreds of homes severely damaged. As the state began to assess the damage and organize relief efforts, the United Way Worldwide stepped in, pledging to rebuild 300 homes for affected families. The initiative is a massive undertaking that will take time, resources, and a united effort from both local communities and national supporters.
Henry, known for his larger-than-life presence on the football field, surprised many when he announced his involvement in the project. Through his Derrick Henry Foundation, the running back has been dedicated to helping underserved communities, and he viewed this opportunity as a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families who have lost everything due to the floods.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a platform that allows me to give back in ways that matter,” Henry said in a statement. “When I heard about the devastation in Texas and saw how many families were affected, I knew I had to do something. Rebuilding these homes will take time, but it’s a start. I’m honored to be able to support the United Way in this effort.”
Henry’s involvement with the United Way Worldwide initiative will help provide the necessary funds, materials, and volunteers to ensure that 300 homes are rebuilt, with a focus on providing safe, sustainable housing for families in need. His contribution is expected to have a significant impact, both financially and logistically, as the NFL star works alongside other community leaders, volunteers, and organizations to bring the initiative to life.
While Henry’s commitment to the cause was inspiring, it was the heartfelt letter from a 9-year-old girl that has truly captured the public’s attention. The young girl, who had lost her home in the floods, wrote to Henry expressing her deep gratitude for his support in rebuilding her community.
The letter, which was sent to the United Way and later shared by the organization, reads as follows:
“Dear Mr. Henry,
I don’t know if you know how much your help means to me and my family. The floods took everything we had, and we had to leave our house. I was sad because I didn’t know where we would live, and I thought we would never have a home again. But then I heard that you were helping us rebuild our homes, and I felt so happy!
Thank you for helping fix my home. I can’t wait to go back and see my room again. I hope you know that you’re making so many people smile. You might be a big football player, but to me, you’re a superhero.
I hope you have a good day, and thank you again for everything you’re doing for us.
Love,
Emily”
The letter, written in the simple, innocent language of a young girl, was met with a flood of emotions from both Henry and the public. In a world where celebrity culture often focuses on fame and fortune, Emily’s words reminded everyone of the true power of kindness and generosity. To her, Derrick Henry was not just an athlete but a hero, someone who had taken the time to make her life better during one of the hardest moments she had ever faced.
Henry, deeply moved by the letter, took to social media to share his thoughts.
“This letter hit me right in the heart. Emily’s words reminded me of why I do this. It’s not about football, or money, or fame. It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Thank you, Emily, for reminding me that the work we’re doing matters more than anything else. I’m proud to be a part of this, and I can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of families like yours when they’re back in their homes.”
Henry also made it clear that he would be personally visiting the area once the rebuilding efforts were complete, and he promised to meet Emily and her family. This gesture, which seems to be driven by genuine care and empathy, has been widely praised by both fans and community leaders.
Derrick Henry has always been known for his dominance on the football field, where he has set numerous records and established himself as one of the most talented running backs in NFL history. However, it is his work off the field that has made him stand out as a role model.
Henry’s commitment to philanthropy and community service has been consistent throughout his career. His foundation, which focuses on youth development, health education, and disaster relief, has worked with a variety of organizations to support underprivileged communities across the nation. Henry’s involvement in the Texas rebuilding effort is just the latest example of his desire to use his fame for good.
The Ravens’ star has always made it clear that he believes athletes have a responsibility to leverage their platforms to make a positive impact. Whether it’s through his foundation’s efforts to support education for at-risk youth or his recent partnership with United Way to help flood victims, Henry has always embraced the idea that his influence can go beyond the gridiron.
“I’ve been blessed with a lot in my life,” Henry said during a recent interview. “But I don’t think that’s enough. I want to make sure that I leave a legacy not just for my football career but for the lives I’ve impacted along the way. Helping families get back into their homes is just one small part of it, but it’s meaningful. When you have the ability to help people in need, you have to do it.”
The United Way Worldwide, which has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts for many years, is the perfect partner for Henry’s initiative. Their track record of mobilizing communities and coordinating large-scale relief projects has helped countless families rebuild after natural disasters. Their Texas flood rebuilding campaign, supported by Henry, is part of a larger effort to provide safe housing, mental health services, and financial assistance to residents whose lives were turned upside down by the floods.
The organization has already made significant progress, securing funding and building partnerships with local construction companies, volunteers, and other organizations to bring the 300-home rebuild to life. Henry’s involvement has given the effort an additional boost, with the NFL star using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to join the cause.
“Derrick Henry’s support has been instrumental in helping us get the resources we need to make a difference,” said United Way President and CEO. “It’s not every day that an athlete of his caliber steps up to support a cause like this. His generosity and the example he sets will inspire others to get involved and help.”
The story of Derrick Henry’s involvement with the United Way’s rebuilding efforts in Texas is more than just a feel-good story; it’s a reminder of the power of community, compassion, and giving back. Henry’s actions have inspired many, not just in the NFL community but across the nation, proving that when we come together, we can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
The thank-you letter from Emily, the 9-year-old girl who lost her home in the floods, serves as a testament to the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities. It is a reminder that in times of adversity, the love and support of others can provide the strength to rebuild and move forward.
As the United Way Worldwide works to rebuild homes and lives in Texas, they do so with the support of people like Derrick Henry, whose generosity and selflessness have already made a profound difference. The journey of recovery is still ongoing, but with heroes like Henry leading the charge, there is hope on the horizon for those who need it most.