Derrick Henry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Derrick Henry

Henry with the Tennessee Titans in 2022
No. 22 – Baltimore Ravens
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1994-01-04) January 4, 1994 (age 31) Yulee, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	247 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school:	Yulee
College:	Alabama (2013–2015)
NFL Draft:	2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45
Career history
Tennessee Titans (2016) Baltimore Ravens (2024–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2020) First-team All-Pro (2020) 3× Second-team All-Pro (2019, 2024) 5× Pro Bowl (2019, 2020, 2022–2024) 2× NFL rushing yards leader (2019, 2020) 3× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2019, 2020, 2024) CFP national champion (2015) Heisman Trophy (2015) Maxwell Award (2015) Doak Walker Award (2015) Walter Camp Award (2015) Unanimous All-American (2015) SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2015) First-team All-SEC (2015) NFL records 99-yard rushing touchdown (tied) Most career games with 200+ rushing yards: 6 (tied)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Rushing yards: 11,423 Rushing average: 4.9 Rushing touchdowns: 106 Receptions: 174 Receiving yards: 1,651 Receiving touchdowns: 5
Player stats at PFR

Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. (born January 4, 1994) is an American professional football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He is often called "King Henry" because of his strong and powerful way of playing. He is known for being bigger than most other running backs.

Derrick Henry is the only player ever to run for at least 2,000 yards in a single season in high school, college, and professional football. He has been very successful at every level of his career.

Born in Yulee, Florida, Henry set a national record for rushing yards in high school. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. In 2015, he won the Heisman Trophy, which is a huge award for college players. He also helped his team win the national championship.

The Tennessee Titans picked Henry in the 2016 NFL Draft. He became a four-time Pro Bowl player with them. He led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in both 2019 and 2020. In 2020, he became one of only eight players in NFL history to run for over 2,000 yards in one season. He also won the 2020 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

After eight seasons with the Titans, Henry joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. In his first season with the Ravens, he set several team records. As of the end of the 2024 season, Henry is the active NFL leader in career rushing yards and touchdowns.

Early Life and Football Dreams

Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. was born in Yulee, Florida. He was mostly raised by his grandmother, Gladys, who called him "Shocka." She was a very important person in his life.

From a young age, Henry loved football. When he was just two, he would grab a football and run around. He was also good at other sports, like baseball. In one Little League game, he hit a ball so far it broke a school bus window!

Henry started playing organized football at age six. He was so big and strong that coaches often asked to see his birth certificate. In middle school, he was so good that opposing teams sometimes had a special rule. They would ask Yulee to take him out of the game if they were winning by three touchdowns.

High School Football Star

Henry went to Yulee High School. He was a star in football, basketball, and track. He played as a running back for the Yulee Hornets football team.

In 2009, as a freshman, he ran for 2,465 yards and 26 touchdowns. He kept getting better each year. In 2012, his senior year, he set a Florida state record with 4,261 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns. He also set a national high school record with 12,124 career rushing yards. People started calling him "King Henry" because of his amazing plays. He also scored 153 career touchdowns.

Henry was also a good track & field athlete. He ran in the 100-meter dash.

Many top colleges wanted Henry to play for them. He was considered a five-star recruit by ESPN.com. He chose to play for the University of Alabama. His high school jersey number was later retired by Yulee.

High School Stats

Here are Henry's high school football stats:

College Football Journey

Henry played college football for the University of Alabama from 2013 to 2015. He studied communication and graduated in 2018. He wrote an article thanking his grandmother for inspiring him to finish his degree.

2013 Season: Freshman Year

Henry (No. 2) at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2013

As a freshman, Henry ran for 382 yards and three touchdowns. He had a great game against Arkansas, running for 111 yards. In the 2014 Sugar Bowl, he ran for 100 yards and scored a touchdown. A Spanish-language announcer nicknamed him "El Tractorcito" (The Little Tractor) because of his powerful running style.

2014 Season: Sophomore Year

In 2014, Henry shared playing time with another running back. He had 113 rushing yards and a touchdown in the first game against West Virginia. He also scored a 41-yard receiving touchdown against Texas A&M. In the SEC Championship, he ran for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the season with 990 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

2015 Season: Heisman Winner and National Champion

In 2015, Henry became the main running back for Alabama. He had an amazing season. He ran for 147 yards and three touchdowns in the first game. He had many games with over 100 or 200 rushing yards.

In a big game against LSU, he ran for 210 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 271 rushing yards against Auburn. In the SEC Championship, he ran for 189 yards and a touchdown.

Henry set SEC records with 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He scored at least one touchdown in every game. He led the NCAA in rushing yards and touchdowns. Henry won the Heisman Trophy, a very important award for college football players. He also won the Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award, and Maxwell Award. After this great season, Henry decided to enter the NFL Draft.

College Stats

Here are Henry's college football stats:

Professional NFL Career

Derrick Henry was picked by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the second running back chosen that year. He signed a four-year contract with the Titans.

2016–2017: Learning the Ropes

Henry started his NFL career as a backup running back. In Week 8 of 2016, he scored his first NFL touchdown. He finished his rookie season with 490 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

In 2017, he continued to share carries with other players. In Week 2, he ran for 92 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars. Later, he had a 72-yard touchdown run against the Colts. In the last regular season game, he caught his first receiving touchdown.

The Titans made the playoffs in 2017. In the first playoff game, Henry had his best performance yet, running for 156 yards and a touchdown. He finished the regular season with 744 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

2018: Becoming a Starter

Henry in 2018

In 2018, Henry started to get more playing time. In Week 14, he had an incredible 99-yard touchdown run. This run tied for the longest touchdown run in NFL history! He finished that game with four touchdowns and 238 rushing yards, which was a Titans team record. He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

He continued to play well, leading the NFL in rushing for two weeks in a row. Henry finished the 2018 season with 1,059 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

2019: First Rushing Title

Henry in 2019

In 2019, Henry had a fantastic season. In the first game, he rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown, and also caught a 75-yard touchdown pass. He had many games with over 100 rushing yards. In Week 10, he ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs.

In the final game of the season, Henry rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns. He won the 2019 NFL rushing title, leading the league with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He was also selected for his first Pro Bowl.

Henry after throwing a touchdown pass in the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens

The Titans made the playoffs. In the first playoff game, Henry ran for 182 yards against the Patriots. In the next game against the Baltimore Ravens, he rushed for 195 yards and even threw a three-yard touchdown pass! He became the second player in NFL history with three playoff games of at least 150 rushing yards. The Titans made it to the AFC Championship game but lost to the Chiefs.

After the season, Henry signed a new four-year contract with the Titans.

2020: Second Rushing Title and Top Offensive Player

Henry alongside Von Miller at the 2020 Pro Bowl

In 2020, Henry continued his amazing performance. In Week 6, he had 212 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 94-yard touchdown run. He scored the winning touchdown in overtime. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week and Month.

In Week 17 against the Texans, Henry rushed for a career-high 250 yards and two touchdowns. In this game, he became the eighth running back in NFL history to run for over 2,000 yards in a single season (2,027 yards). He also led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns. Henry won the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year award.

In the playoffs, the Titans lost to the Ravens. Henry was held to only 40 rushing yards in that game.

2021: Injury and Return

Henry in 2021

Henry started the 2021 season strong. In Week 2, he had 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice early in the season.

However, in Week 8, Henry suffered a foot injury that kept him out for the rest of the regular season. Before his injury, he was leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. He returned for the playoff game against the Bengals, where he ran for 62 yards and a touchdown, but the Titans lost.

2022: Back to Form

Henry playing in 2022

In 2022, Henry was back to his dominant self. He had many games with over 100 rushing yards. In Week 8, he ran for 219 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He was also named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October.

In Week 11, he threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper. Henry finished the 2022 season with 1,538 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl.

2023: Last Season in Tennessee

In 2023, Henry continued to be a strong runner for the Titans. He had 122 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Bengals in Week 4. He finished the season with 1,167 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. This was the most rushing yards in the AFC.

2024: Joining the Ravens

On March 12, 2024, Henry signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

Henry with Maryland governor Wes Moore at Ravens training camp in 2024

In Week 3, Henry ran for 151 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys. In Week 4, he had an amazing 199 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Bills, including an 87-yard touchdown run that was the longest in Ravens history. He also caught a receiving touchdown in that game. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

In Week 5, Henry scored his 100th career touchdown and reached 10,000 career rushing yards. He is only the fifth player in NFL history to do this. He continued to have strong performances throughout the season, including 169 rushing yards against the Buccaneers and 162 yards against the Steelers.

Henry finished the 2024 season with 1,921 rushing yards, which was second-most in the league. He also led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl. In his first playoff game with the Ravens, he set a team record with 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers.

How Derrick Henry Plays

Derrick Henry is very tall at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and weighs 247 pounds (112 kg). This makes him much bigger than most other running backs. He is known as a "power back" because he uses his size and strength to run through defenders. He is famous for his "stiff-arm," where he pushes defenders away with his arm.

Even though he is big, Henry is also surprisingly fast and agile. He is not usually used much for catching passes, but he is incredibly good at running the ball. People have noticed that Henry often gets better as the game goes on, wearing down the other team with his strength.

NFL Career Stats

Regular Season

Postseason

Records and Achievements

Derrick Henry holds many impressive records:

High School Records

• Most career rushing yards: 12,124

SEC Records (College)

• Most rushing yards in a season: 2,219
• Most rushing touchdowns in a season: 28

NFL Records

• Tied for the longest rushing touchdown in NFL history: 99 yards
• Most career games with 200+ rushing yards: 6 (tied)
• First player to have 2,000+ rushing yards in high school, college, and the NFL.
• Most seasons with at least 1,500+ rushing yards and 15+ rushing touchdowns: 3

Titans Team Records

• Most career rushing touchdowns: 90
• Most rushing yards in a game: 250
• Longest rushing touchdown: 99 yards

Ravens Team Records

• Longest rushing touchdown: 87 yards
• Most rushing touchdowns in a season: 16 (2024)
• Most touchdowns in a season: 18 (2024)
• Most rushing yards in a playoff game: 186

Awards and Honors

Derrick Henry has received many awards throughout his career:

NFL Awards

• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2020)
• First-Team All-Pro (2020)
• 3× Second-Team All-Pro (2019, 2024)
• 5× Pro Bowl (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• 2× NFL rushing yards leader (2019, 2020)
• 3× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2019, 2020, 2024)
• 9× AFC Offensive Player of the Week

College Awards

• CFP National Champion (2015)
• Heisman Trophy (2015)
• Maxwell Award (2015)
• Doak Walker Award (2015)
• Walter Camp Award (2015)
• Unanimous All-American (2015)
• SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2015)

High School Awards

• 2× MaxPreps Player of the Year (2011, 2012)
• Gatorade Florida Football Player of the Year (2012–2013)
• Florida’s Mr. Football Award (2012)

Personal Life

Henry has been featured on the covers of many magazines, including Parade, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.

In 2018, Henry kept a promise to his grandmother, Gladys, by earning his bachelor's degree in communications from Alabama. He has a tattoo of her on his chest. In 2019, Henry started the Two All Foundation. This foundation helps young people succeed, no matter their background or challenges.

Derrick Henry being honored in his hometown of Yulee, FL

In November 2019, Henry's hometown of Yulee, Florida, honored him with a special welcome sign. In 2022, Henry became a part-owner of Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC team.

Henry takes great care of his body to stay in top shape. He spends a lot of money each year on things like massages, special oxygen treatments, and a personal chef. He also follows a strict diet, avoiding certain foods.

Henry has been with Adrianna Rivas since 2016. They have two daughters, Valentina and Celine.

Helping Others

Derrick Henry and his family do a lot of charity work.

Every December, Henry and his Two All Foundation give away hundreds of toys to children in Yulee. In 2019, he partnered with Pay Away the Layaway to pay off $10,000 worth of layaways for families at a department store. When a firefighter in Nashville lost his home in 2021, Henry donated $10,000 to help.

Henry also supported relief efforts in Haiti after an earthquake in 2021. He works with the Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee to host annual back-to-school events. In 2021, they gave 5,000 backpacks with school supplies and gift cards to children in need. Henry even took some kids on a shopping trip.

In September 2023, Henry bought Nike shoes for 60 children from the Boys and Girls Club. He also provided backpacks and school supplies for 150 students in Nashville. He helped 39 new teachers by donating classroom supplies.

In June 2024, Henry hosted his first carnival in Yulee. About 200 kids received bikes and backpacks. He also provided 200 students at Curtis Bay Elementary with backpacks and supplies. Later, he made sure all 465 students at the school received winter coats.

On TV and Podcasts

Derrick Henry has appeared on several TV shows and podcasts.

Television and Film

Podcasts

See also

In Spanish: Derrick Henry para niños

• List of NFL career rushing yards leaders
• List of NFL career rushing touchdowns leaders
• 2,000-yard club
• Heisman Trophy
• Alabama Crimson Tide football