Derrick Henry: A Tale of Perseverance and Power

Derrick Henry and his dominance on the football field has been a testament to his unwavering perseverance and remarkable physical prowess.  The former Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama has etched his name in the annals of NFL history, emerging as one of the most formidable running backs of the modern era. 

            Derrick Henry is the eighth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards on the ground in a single season as he rushed for 2,027 yards in the 2020 season. In doing so, the Tennessee Titan enjoyed his best season, as he had 378 rushing attempts and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. 

Dominance: The Elite Eight

     For the second-straight year, Henry claimed the NFL rushing crown, as he ran for 1,540 in 2019.  Henry joins an elite group.  Here’s the 2K list, sorted by yardage total:

            Erick Dickerson (1984) – 2,015

            Adrian Peterson (2012) – 2,097

            Jamal Lewis (2003) – 2,066

            Barry Sanders (1997) – 2,053

            Derrick Henry (2020) – 2,027

            Terrell Davis (1998) – 2,008

            Chris Johnson (2009) – 2,006

            O.J. Simpson (1973) – 2,003

            Derrick Henry needed 223 rushing yards going into the last week of the season to reach the 2,000-yard mark.  The Titans star reached his goal, as he ran for 250.  Henry is the second Titan to reach the 2K milestone, as Chris Johnson rushed for 2,006 in 2009.  At 6’3” and 247, Henry has been a dominant football player since arriving in Nashville.  Before becoming a professional, Henry, won the Heisman Trophy as the top college player in 2015.  Henery joins a further elite of players; those that have won both a Heisman Trophy and who have run for over 2,00 yards:  Only three players:  Henry, Barry Sanders O.J. Simpson are in this group.

Tennessee Titans Draft Derrick Henry

            The Titan had the first selection in the 2016 draft, but traded it to the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams in turn made Jared Goff their quarterback.  The Titans then moved from the 15^th spot to 8 and took offensive tackle Jack Conklin. General Manager John Robinson then used one of his 2^nd round picks to trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for DeMarco Murray.  Murray is a running back who had been an NFL rushing champion while playing for the Dallas Cowboys. 

            Henry led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in setting SEC records with 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in winning the Heisman.  Heading into the draft, Henry had wanted to go to the Dallas Cowboys, who had the No. 4 pick.  Instead, the Cowboys chose Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott.  The Titans ended up selecting Henry with the 45^th.  Of interest is that Kansas City had told Henry that they would take him at 59 if he was still available.  Kansas City had taken Patrick Mahomes in the first round.  Kansas City almost had a backfield of Mahomes and Henry. 

            Too much of his dismay, Henry backed up Murray for two seasons.  Murray had a terrific 1^st season for the Titans, as he made the Pro Bowl while rushing for 1,287 yards and nine touchdowns. Murray torn his plantar plate in his right foot late in the 2016 and injuries mounted the follow season.  Henry, who runs a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash, started making some plays on the field and became the starter in his third season.  

            Possessing a rare blend of power and explosiveness, Henry is a nightmare for opposing defenses.  His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact is unparalleled, as he showcases his dominance to shed defenses and churn out extra yardage. Henry is one of the most imposing running backs of the modern era.

Barry Schustermann

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