Derrick Henry is a professional football running back for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.
Known as “King Henry,” he gained fame for his powerful running style and impressive physical stature, standing 6’2″ and weighing 247 lbs.
Henry set multiple records during his high school and college careers, including winning the 2015 Heisman Trophy while at Alabama.
He has led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns multiple times and was a key player for the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Ravens in 2024.
Siblings
Henry has one sibling, a younger brother named Derrick Henry III.
Their mother, Stacy Veal, raised them primarily, as their father was largely absent during their childhood due to legal issues.
Henry has often spoken about the significant influence his family, especially his grandmother, had on his upbringing and career.
College career
Henry played college football at the University of Alabama from 2013 to 2015, where he emerged as a standout running back.
In his junior year, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2015, becoming the second Alabama player to receive this honor, following Mark Ingram in 2009.
Henry’s performance that season was nothing short of remarkable; he set the SEC single-season rushing record with an astounding 2,219 yards, breaking the previous record held by Herschel Walker.
He also scored 28 rushing touchdowns, further solidifying his dominance in college football.
His contributions were pivotal in leading Alabama to a national championship victory in 2016, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout his college career, Henry received numerous accolades, including being named a consensus All-American and winning the Walter Camp Award.
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NFL career
Henry was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, where he played from 2016 to 2023.
In his rookie season, he shared carries with DeMarco Murray but still made an impact by rushing for 490 yards and scoring five touchdowns.
By 2018, Henry had emerged as the Titans’ primary running back, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.
His historic 2020 season marked a significant milestone in his career; he rushed for 2,027 yards, becoming only the eighth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.
This remarkable achievement earned him the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award as he also led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Henry has been exceptional in playoff performances as well, notably rushing for over 180 yards against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2019 playoffs and helping lead the Titans to victory.
In March 2024, Henry signed with the Baltimore Ravens after several successful seasons with the Titans.
His addition is expected to bolster the Ravens’ already formidable running game and provide a powerful presence in their offensive lineup.
Accolades
Henry has received numerous accolades throughout his football career, highlighting his exceptional talent and impact on the game.
In college, he won the Heisman Trophy in 2015, becoming the second player from Alabama to achieve this honor.
That same year, he also received the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and Walter Camp Award, along with being named a unanimous All-American.
In the NFL, Henry has continued to excel, earning multiple awards and recognitions.
He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 after rushing for over 2,000 yards, becoming only the eighth player in league history to do so.
He has led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns multiple times and has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls.
Additionally, he has been recognized as the AFC Player of the Week several times, underscoring his consistent performance at a high level throughout his career.
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