Derrick Henry, at 32 years old, remains a formidable presence in the NFL. Despite being a bit less explosive than his outstanding season with 1,921 rushing yards, he closed 2025 with impressive stats. Henry accrued 1,595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, securing the second spot in both categories. He maintained an average of 5.2 yards per carry over 307 attempts, participating in all 17 games for the third consecutive season.
His physical stature, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, might suggest that his aggressive running style would slow him down by now. Yet, Henry continues to defy expectations. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler places him at sixth among the top 10 running backs for 2026, following a survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts. Fowler notes that Henry’s decline seems distant.
A seasoned defensive coach in the NFL takes admiration for Henry’s durability further, stating, “He hasn’t really slowed down, to be honest, at least from what I’ve seen. You can knock him because he’s not the pass threat the others are. But he’s still a major problem. Guy takes care of himself like no other.”
Other stars like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, and De’Von Achane have carved their reputations as dominant pass-catching backs. Henry, however, has maintained his Hall of Fame status primarily through his ground game. His two seasons with the Ravens show fewer than 200 receiving yards and under 20 catches each.
Yet, fumbles present a notable concern. In the last two seasons, he has recorded seven fumbles, four in 2025 alone. This trend may become a focus for defenses aiming to seize the ball rather than just tackling Henry.
In terms of pure rushing talent, Henry still reigns supreme. His nearly 600 rushing yards over the final four games of last season are a testament to his enduring power, revealing how defenses tire out before he does.
The Ravens remain among the top contenders for the Super Bowl in 2026, with their offensive strategy continuing to rely heavily on Henry’s powerful running.