QB no more, Henson signs with Yankees

BRIGHTON, Mich. — Drew Henson went with his first love: baseball.The Michigan quarterback, in line to be a top pick in next year's NFL draft, agreed Saturday to a $17 million, six-year contract with the New York Yankees.

“To me, there would be no greater goal than to help win a World Series for the New York Yankees,” Henson said. “I will keep memories of the University of Michigan close to my heart.”

Henson, 21, is to report to the Yankees Monday and probably will spend much of the season at Triple-A Columbus — where Michigan defeated Ohio State 38-26 last November in what Hen son called the highlight of his college career.

Walking away from his senior season as the Wolverines' quarterback for a chance at becoming the Yankees' starting third baseman in 2002 was “the biggest sacrifice I will ever make,” Henson said.

“I wanted to prove I could be a great quarterback, and to this point I have,” he said. By focusing on one sport, Henson said, “it'll be easier on my body; it'll be a little easier on my mind. My goal is to get to New York as soon as possible.”

The Yankees originally drafted Henson in 1998 and signed him for a $2 million bonus. Under the new contract, he is forbidden from playing football.

“We got back at the NFL for taking (John) Elway away from us years ago,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said, referring to a former Yankees farmhand who became one of the NFL's greatest players.

Henson played in the Yankees' minor-league system until he was dealt to Cincinnati in July as part of the trade that brought Denny Neagle to New York.

Convinced they couldn't sign him, the Reds traded Henson back to New York Wednesday along with outfielder Michael Coleman for outfielder Wily Mo Pena.

Comparing the Yankees with Michigan's powerful football program, he said, “Why not go to the team with the most tradition, with the best chance to win?”

Henson had a chance to be selected by the expansion Houston Texans as the top pick in the 2002 NFL draft and would have received more money up front, probably more than $10 million.

His contract with the Yankees calls for a $1 million signing bonus and a salary of $1 million in each of the first two seasons. About $10 million will be paid during the final two years.

New York was reluctant to part with Henson last year but made the trade as part of a midseason roster overhaul that helped it win its third straight World Series and fourth in five years.

“When you're with the Yankees, the future is always now, but we were fortunate enough to have the future be now and then tomorrow again in getting him back,” Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

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