Derrick Henry’s Impressive Performance at 32

At 32 years old, Derrick Henry remains one of the NFL’s top running backs. During the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens, he achieved 1,595 rushing yards — ranking second in the league — and scored 16 rushing touchdowns, also placing second. He maintained an average of 5.2 yards per carry across all 17 games for the third consecutive season, showcasing his enduring abilities.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, many anticipated that Henry’s powerful, downhill running style would take a toll on him. However, he continues to defy these expectations. On July 7, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranked him as the sixth-best running back heading into the 2026 season. Fowler’s ranking is based on a survey of executives, coaches, and scouts, who suggest “his demise still feels far away.” A veteran NFL defensive coach remarked, “He hasn’t really slowed down, to be honest, at least from what I’ve seen.” While recognizing that Henry isn’t a major pass-catching threat, the coach emphasized his strength, stating, “Guy takes care of himself like no other.”

Unlike pass-catching stars such as Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, and De’Von Achane, Henry has built his Hall of Fame status primarily through rushing. In each of his two seasons with the Ravens, he has recorded fewer than 200 receiving yards and under 20 catches. However, fumbles have been a concern, with seven over the past two years, including four in 2025. This is a trend defenses are increasingly likely to exploit, focusing on dislodging the ball rather than stopping him.

Despite this, Henry remains unrivaled as the best pure running back. He amassed nearly 600 rushing yards in his final four games last season, illustrating how defenses fatigue against him before he shows any sign of slowing down. The Ravens, still strong contenders for the Super Bowl in 2026, will lean on Henry’s powerful running game to boost their chances.