Growing up in an underserved neighborhood in Pompano Beach, Henri W. Crockett never imagined his future on the football field. Raised by a single mother who couldn’t afford college tuition, Crockett knew he had to find a way out.

“Going to the pros wasn’t on my radar,” he said. “It was all about getting a scholarship so I could go to college.” 

Football wasn’t his first love; he followed in the footsteps of his successful brother, Zack Crockett. Growing up, he struggled in Little League, but after his muscles developed in high school and his brother was drafted into the NFL, playing professionally felt within reach.

Crockett earned an athletic scholarship to Florida State University, helping the Seminoles win ACC Championships from 1993 to 1997, as well as the 1994 National Championship against Nebraska. In 1997, he was drafted into the NFL and played seven seasons.

Many might consider winning the Orange Bowl National Championship his biggest achievement, but for Crockett, it was actually in 1995. While playing against Notre Dame that year, his brother Zack set a playoff rushing record with the Indianapolis Colts.

“That was one of my most memorable moments because we both were being highly successful on the same day,” Crockett said.

Crockett is now the 87th president of the Orange Bowl Committee, the first former player to hold the position. Dedicated to the South Florida community, with a full lineup of events leading up to the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP), he strives to elevate the Bowl’s legacy while supporting underserved communities. His focus includes increasing female leadership representation, particularly for women of color.

“I have a single mom, and I know how hard she works,” Crockett said. “We’ve made a lot of strives, but there’s still a lot of opportunities for women to be put on a path of leadership”

Having played in the Orange Bowl, Crockett is uniquely committed to preserving the organization’s community impact.

“I’ve been on both sides — as a player and now as president,” Crockett said. “What I always wanted to stand out was the hospitality and how we treated people.”

As president, Crockett prioritizes community programs, such as legacy gifts and scholarships. Over the past eight years, the Orange Bowl has raised more than $9 million, with $1 million earmarked for 2025.

“To see these kids come out there, go to college, and continue their football careers and then getting the funds to pay for it — it’s just amazing,” he said.

Crockett is also focused on immediate community needs, like back-to-school giveaways and health services for underserved families.

Beyond football, in 2002, he and his brother established the Crockett Foundation to build character, develop leaders, and improve the community — one child at a time. The Foundation introduced tech programs in South Florida, offering middle school students college-level computer science courses, leading to innovation labs and new career pathways.

“When kids from these underserved communities are given the same opportunities, they will compete at the same level or better than those who are more fortunate,” Crockett said. “Because they have an extra drive.”

The Foundation focuses on life skills and career preparation for youth, serving 225 kids through classes in coding and esports. It also organizes the annual Crockett Foundation Community Health Festival to help families prepare for back to school.

“It’s just spending time with these families, understanding what they need, and then just doing it,” Crockett said.

In everything he does, Crockett aims to give back to the world and leave a legacy of service.

“When I leave this Earth, I want people to really understand that I was for the people, and about making a real impact and changing people’s lives.”

By Amelia Orjuela Da Silva, Miami Times Staff Writer