Henson was a Ravens fan since the beginning. Henson, who spent 24 years in the Navy as an intelligence officer, became a Ravens fan. He started out with just a pair of camouflage trousers and a sign saying “Defense.” Captain DeeFense was created when a girl at Memorial Stadium long ago asked him if “he was the captain of defense.”

It was his signature look that immediately caught my eye: camo pants with a Navy Captain’s Hat, aviator shades, spikes, chains, and a hat. He wrapped sweatbands (and torn koozies), around his muscular arms. Leather gloves were worn from the many times he shook his hands.

He was supposed to look intimidating, just like the Ravens’ defense. Henson, in reality, was anything but. His warm smile was as much part of his regalia and attire as anything else.

Henson, a cancer survivor, has attended hundreds of charity events throughout the years. Henson attended birthday parties and weddings (for both adults and children) upon request. Henson wasn’t paid for anything.

He visited Ravens fans who were sick in hospitals or at home. He wanted to give away Ravens autographs.

The people I meet are the coolest part of being Captain Deefense. “People amaze me,” said he in 2012 when he was honored as a member of ESPN’s first class of Hall of Fans.

People make me feel more important than I am. You never know who you are touching.