Henry’s Historic Run to the Top 10
Derrick Henry, the powerhouse running back for the Baltimore Ravens, is on the cusp of etching his name among the NFL’s all-time greats. Currently sitting at No. 19 on the league’s career rushing yards list with over 10,000 yards, Henry needs just 1,317 more yards to crack the top 10, a milestone that would see him surpass seven Hall of Famers. This ambitious goal has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike as the new season approaches.
Henry’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Known as 'King Henry' for his dominating style and larger-than-life build, he is the only player in football history to have rushed for at least 2,000 yards in a single season at the high school, college, and professional levels. His current stats place him among elite company, and a strong performance this season could cement his legacy as one of the best to ever play the position.
Ravens’ Support and Henry’s Legacy
The Baltimore Ravens organization and coaching staff are fully behind Henry’s pursuit of history. Head coach John Harbaugh has already placed Henry in the conversation of all-time great running backs, highlighting his impact on the game as he enters his 10th NFL season. Harbaugh’s confidence in Henry underscores the team’s commitment to leveraging his skills alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson to create one of the most formidable offensive duos in league history.
Henry’s accolades speak for themselves: a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, two-time rushing yards leader, and the 2020 AP Offensive Player of the Year. He is also one of only three players in NFL history to record 10 rushing touchdowns in seven consecutive seasons, joining Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson. These achievements highlight why many already consider him a first-ballot Hall of Famer, even before reaching the top 10 rushing mark.
Beyond individual stats, Henry’s impact on the field is undeniable. With 22 games of 100-plus rushing yards and two touchdowns, he stands second all-time behind Tomlinson and Jim Brown, who each have 25 such games. A few more standout performances could see him claim that record as well, further solidifying his place in NFL lore.
Challenges and Outlook for the Season
While Henry’s path to the top 10 seems within reach, challenges remain. At 30 years old, some question whether he can maintain the physical dominance that has defined his career, especially given the wear and tear of a decade in the NFL. However, his track record suggests he still has plenty left in the tank, having nearly hit 2,000 yards for a second time in recent seasons.
The Ravens’ offensive strategy, pairing Henry with Jackson, provides a unique opportunity to maximize his output. Their dynamic partnership has already shown promise, with analysts noting they could become one of the best quarterback-running back tandems in NFL history. If Henry can stay healthy and capitalize on this synergy, surpassing those seven Hall of Famers on the rushing list is not just possible—it’s probable.