Former Michigan QB Chad Henne has respect for Ohio State, but calls Michigan State ‘a little dirty’

Former Michigan QB Chad Henne discussed the Ohio State and Michigan State rivalries on In The Trenches, and he has a very different viewpoint for the two programs. Henne respects the Buckeyes, but doesn’t necessarily feel the same about Sparty:

Former Michigan Wolverines quarterback Chad Henne was part of some of most memorable wins and historic losses in school history. His four-year span as a starter etched him as the leader in multiple statistical categories at U-M. Now, he’s entering retirement and looking back on his career as a Wolverine, his journey in the pros and what life is like after his playing career.

Jon Jansen, asked Henne about his long career on the “In the Trenches” podcast.

Looking back on Henne’s Michigan career

Henne is a part of a memorable freshman class that includes offensive lineman Jake Long and running back Mike Hart. Henne ended up playing for Michigan, he says, because of his relationship with former coach Scott Loeffler. He learned a lot about fundamentals from Loeffler and felt Ann Arbor was the best place for him.

Once on campus, Henne said he was working to compete for the starting quarterback role instantly. He didn’t expect to win it immediately, but he put in the effort and earned it at the end of the day. When head coach Lloyd Carr told Henne he’d be starting, Henne recounts Carr asking if he was scared.

“No sir, I’m ready to go,” Henne replied. He also outlined how a feeling of butterflies is normal ahead of any game, but you have to trust your preparation.

Henne, Long and Hart are some of the most memorable freshmen to start a season together. Henne said it was impressive to see those guys “carry on the tradition together.”

While there are plenty of positives from Henne’s time at Michigan, but also some of the lowest points in program history, including an upset loss to Appalachian State. Henne says the team wasn’t prepared mentally for the game and they didn’t have enough focus leading up to the game. Thankfully they went out on a high note that year, with a win in Carr’s final game over the Florida Gators.

Assessing Michigan’s rivalries with Michigan State and Ohio State

Henne returned for his senior season to try and pick up a win against the Buckeyes. That never happened unfortunately, but he recounts The Game as one that normally carries respect from one team to the other. According to Henne, the same can’t be said about Michigan State.

Jansen asked Henne about the triple overtime win over the Spartans, and Henne, like most of us, called it the “Braylon Edwards show.” He picked up four wins over the Spartans, but described the rivalry as “a little dirty.” It’s nice to know the players feel similarly to the fans.

Henne says the rivalry with the Buckeyes was “more clean and had more respect,” but Michigan State was “gritty” and that he didn’t respect them as much.

Jansen covers Michigan games through radio broadcasts alongside Henne’s former teammate and wideout Jason Avant. Jansen asked for Henne’s response to Avant taking back the Michigan flag after the upset win in Columbus last season.

Henne told Jansen he reached out to Avant after the game when he realized who it was. He said Avant is a very religious guy, a calm guy, and well-spoken, but he recalled that there were times at Michigan where he could “flip a switch and he would knock the crap out of you.” Henne wasn’t surprised Avant is calm and more mature with age, but still said he was impressed with Avant’s composure when recapturing the flag.

What it was like transitioning to the NFL

Henne was one of the highest-drafted quarterbacks in Michigan history. He and Long both ended up in Miami by drafted by the Dolphins, but Henne may be better known for his time with the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid and backing up quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Henne helped the Chiefs win in multiple big games, including in the playoffs when Mahomes was hurt.

Henne said he’s happy with his decision to retire. The transition from college to the NFL wasn’t as tough as his transition from high school to college, as he said the college game really prepares players well for the pros. Now he’s enjoying more time with his family.