CLEMSON, S.C. -- Keith Henry needed to have a talk with his son. He had kept a secret from him for months because it was football season and he didn't want to distract him.
But the time had come for a talk following the 2021 season. Keith took his son, All-ACC Clemson defensive end K.J. Henry, to the Esso Club, the most famous establishment on the Tigers' campus, and leveled with him.
"I need a kidney transplant."
He explained the chronic kidney disease he had lived with since the early 2000s and how it had deteriorated the functionality of both kidneys to dangerous levels. K.J. sat in shock and disbelief, but he felt certain about one thing.
"Dad," he said. "I promise, we're going to find you a kidney." K.J. grew resolute, and told himself, "It's time to get to work."
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