Another fantastic Blue Hen Touchdown Club luncheon is in the books! Fans, families, and alumni gathered at the Carpenter Club to recap the action, look ahead to the next big matchup, and hear exclusive insights straight from the heart of the program.
The absolute highlight of the afternoon was hearing from two phenomenal guest speakers: standout former Delaware quarterback Nolan Henderson and Defensive Line Coach Kyre Hawkins.
Here is a recap of what they brought to the table:
Nolan Henderson: A True Blue Hen Legend
It’s always a special day when one of Delaware’s most decorated quarterbacks returns to speak to the club. Nolan Henderson, a local Delaware legend from Smyrna who went on to earn the prestigious Taylor Memorial Award, the Outstanding Offensive Player Award and the Captains Award at the University of Delaware for his outstanding contributions to the program.
Henderson shared reflections on his journey from a state-championship high school quarterback to a dominant force for the Blue Hens, as well as his transition into the professional ranks. He gave the crowd an insider’s perspective on his journey to become a Blue Hen and how Delaware was really his only choice for college since his heart was here from a young age. He spoke about his family’s influence and how his younger sister was his biggest cheerleader. He also spoke about how meaningful the unwavering support of the Blue Hen Touchdown Club is to the athletes on the field and updated us on his next chapter.
Coach Kyre Hawkins: Setting the Edge on Defense
Bringing the current team energy to the luncheon, Defensive Line Coach Kyre Hawkins shared his passion, defensive strategy, and vision for the current roster. Coach Hawkins, who joined Head Coach Ryan Carty’s staff after a stellar playing career at James Madison and coaching stints at high-level FBS programs like South Florida, highlighted how the team is building the grit and explosive power necessary for Delaware’s exciting transition into the FBS. Hawkins also praised the relentless work ethic of his current players—including standout all-conference talent—leaving the audience highly confident in the team’s defensive trajectory.
A huge thank you to Nolan and Coach Hawkins for sharing their time, expertise, and passion for the Blue and Gold!
