This time last year, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry was entering a dark period of his NFL career. He was facing misdemeanor charges of assault and criminal damaging, as well as suspension from the league for his latest run-in with the law.

Henry’s frequent incidents and suspensions have been well documented. After the last one, his playing career looked rather bleak. Henry was released by the Bengals last April following his arrest.

However, just like a cat with nine lives, Henry survived. The charges against him were dismissed and the Brown family believed in Henry enough to bring him back despite what many skeptics had to say. The receiver ended up serving a four-game suspension before returning to the playing field.

A year later, it’s now time for the receiver to pay his dues.

During a phone interview with Henry on Wednesday, May 27, he talked about the changes in his life and how he plans to help the Bengals win and redeem himself in the process.

“I’m older and more mature about everything now,” Henry said. “It’s like I did a complete turnaround with my life. I feel a different vibe from the coaches and it seems like they show me a little more respect. They know that they can trust me now. It’s all good things going on with me.”

Henry turned 26 on May 17 and is entering his fifth season with the Bengals. His plate has been full these days personally and professionally. He is engaged and has a wedding date set for March 6, 2010.

Henry said his four kids, ranging from ages 4 to 6 months, take up a lot of his time. He went on to say that he’s focused on his family, football and doing what it takes to be successful in life.

You will no longer find Henry at the club hanging with the posse, but instead at an area park playing football with the neighborhood kids.

There is no denying that Henry’s off-field antics have overshadowed his talent on the field, but he’s looking to change all of that this season.

“It is definitely time for me to show the type of person and ballplayer I really am,” Henry said. “I’ve been working hard on and off the field. I’m real focused on what I need to be doing to raise my game to the next level. That’s what I plan on doing and hopefully this will be a big year for me and the team.”

The Bengals are looking for the type of production they received from Henry during the 2006 season when he was the team’s home-run hitter. The receiver averaged 16.8 yards per catch and hauled in nine touchdowns. With Henry at his best it could get real ugly for opposing defenses. He could be the key to a successful passing game.

The receiver has been a model citizen this offseason and it appears he has learned from his many mistakes. It’s like a bell went off in his head saying it’s time to wake up. And the coaching staff has taken note.

Receivers coach Mike Sheppard, who is heading into his third season with the Bengals, on Thursday shed some light on the transformation of Henry.

“Everybody understands the past and I think Chris has moved on from that,” Sheppard said. “What I’ve seen in my first couple of years here were things other than football. Now it’s all about football for Chris. It’s being here working in the offseason program and getting better with his peers and quarterbacks.

“So in that respect, I think he’s made great progress. Also, that translates on the field to where you don’t have the same distractions that limits one’s production. Chris is focused professionally, and I think he has grown up.”

Sheppard said Henry has been working out of the X-receiver position in Chad Ochocinco’s absence from volunteer workouts. He said Henry’s ultimate role is to compete with Ochocinco and newcomer Laveranues Coles for a starting position. Of course, if Henry fails to unseat Ochocinco or Coles he will then have to compete for the No. 3 receiver position.

This should make for an interesting competition during training camp. As for Henry, he’s not ready to relinquish his role without a fight.

“No one has a guaranteed spot at the wide receiver position,” Henry said. “It’s like the best man gets the job and there is a lot of competition out there. I’m approaching it like it’s my job to lose and will give it my all to be in the lineup. I want to help this team get to the playoffs and maybe even the Super Bowl, which is the ultimate goal.

“The sky is the limit for us this season. (Quarterback) Carson (Palmer) is back and he is better than ever. He encourages all the receivers to step up their game, and I’m ready to do just that. That’s the deal right now with me.”