WATCH: Former Gator CJ Henderson gets a pick in first career NFL game

Former Gators cornerback CJ Henderson didn’t waste much time before making an impact in his first career professional game.

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Former Gators cornerback CJ Henderson didn’t waste much time before making an impact in his first career professional game.

The ninth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars intercepted veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers, now in his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, early in the second quarter as the Jaguars trailed 7-0.

Rivers underthrew a pass to receiver T.Y. Hilton, who was in double coverage, and Henderson jumped the route and snagged the pick.

The interception, as well as the subsequent 22-yard return by the rookie, set up a six-yard passing touchdown from Gardner Minshew II to D.J. Chark.

The Jaguars selected Henderson to replace Jalen Ramsey, who had an All-Pro season in 2017 but was traded to Los Angeles last season. Jacksonville desperately needed help in the secondary, and Henderson quickly earned a starting job on the outside.

The Jags will hope that this early highlight play is a sign of things to come from the young corner.

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