Henry Jordan began his outstanding athletic career at Warwick High School. He lettered in three sports, football, track, and wrestling. Jordan was co-captain of the football team and was named All-Tidewater, Eastern District, and All-State Honorable Mention. As a junior, he won the title of State AAU Heavyweight Wrestling Champion. Jordan was also active in many school clubs and several times served as class president.
Jordan entered the University of Virginia in 1953. He became captain of the 1956 football team and was named All-State and All Atlantic Coast Conference. Jordan was also the Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestling Champion (Unlimited Weight Division) in 1957 after having been runner-up in the nationals in 1956. He was Chairman of the U.V.A. Athletic Board and University of Virginia Athlete of the Year in 1956-1957. During this time, Henry Jordan was on the Dean’s List and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce. He served as Vice President of his graduating class, and earned the title of “Distinguished Military Student” of 1957.
After graduating from the University of Virginia, Henry Jordan was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Jordan played with the Browns for two years before he was traded to the Green Bay Packers. He became an 11 year fixture at right defensive tackle for the Packers. Jordan was a quick, smart defender who specialized in pressuring the quarterback. Henry Jordan was an All-Pro Tackle from 1960-1964. In 1962, he was chosen by several sport magazines as Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year and was the Pro Bowl Outstanding Lineman.
In 1969, Henry Jordan retired from football and soon passed away on February 21, 1977. He was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1995.