Derrick Henry, the powerhouse running back known universally as 'King Henry,' has dominated the NFL news cycle in late 2024, not just with his on-field performance but with a monumental contract extension that solidifies his future in Baltimore. The latest updates, confirmed in the current month of December 2025, show that Henry continues to defy age and the traditional depreciation curve for running backs, proving he is one of the most valuable and unique assets in professional football.
The former Tennessee Titans superstar, who made the dramatic move to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 free agency period, has already cemented his place in the franchise's history books, not only achieving another 1,000-yard rushing season but also securing a long-term commitment that ensures the "smashmouth" style of football remains central to the Ravens' identity for years to come.
Derrick Henry: Full Biography, Career Profile, and Key Statistics
Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. is one of the most physically imposing and statistically dominant running backs of the modern era. His journey from a record-setting high school athlete to an NFL powerhouse is a testament to his unique blend of size, speed, and durability.
- Full Name: Derrick Lamar Henry Jr.
- Born: January 4, 1994 (Age 31 as of latest reports).
- Birthplace: Yulee, Florida.
- Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 252 lbs.
- College: University of Alabama (Alabama Crimson Tide).
- Draft: 2016 NFL Draft, Round 2, Pick 45 by the Tennessee Titans.
- Key College Honors: 2015 Heisman Trophy Winner, Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Consensus All-American.
- NFL Teams: Tennessee Titans (2016–2023), Baltimore Ravens (2024–Present).
- Career Rushing Yards (Updated): 12,448+ yards.
- Career Total Touchdowns (Updated): 121+ touchdowns.
- Notable Achievements: Four-time Pro Bowl selection, 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, two-time NFL Rushing Yards Leader, two-time NFL Rushing Touchdowns Leader, member of the 2,000-yard rushing club (2020).
The Shocking New Contract: How Henry Secured a Massive Extension in Baltimore
The biggest news surrounding Derrick Henry is his dramatic contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. After initially signing a two-year, $16 million deal in free agency, Henry quickly proved his worth, leading to a significant new commitment from the team.
The Ravens and Henry agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract extension, which includes a staggering $25 million guaranteed. This deal is a profound statement in a league that has increasingly devalued the running back position, particularly for players over 30. Henry's ability to command a contract of this magnitude—$15 million per year—is nearly unheard of for a veteran running back and reflects the team's belief in his unique durability and impact.
The extension means Henry is now locked in with the Ravens through the 2027-28 season, giving the team's offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, a consistent and powerful ground game foundation for the foreseeable future.
The 2024 Season: Defying the Age Curve and Setting New Milestones
The 2024 season with the Baltimore Ravens was a resounding success and the primary driver for his contract extension. Henry quickly adapted to the new offense, which perfectly complemented his "smashmouth" running style.
1. The 1,000-Yard Milestone
In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Derrick Henry surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season. This achievement is significant, making him only the fourth player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season with two different teams. This feat highlights his consistency and ability to immediately impact a new organization.
2. The Power of the Upright Runner
Henry’s unique build—6-foot-3 and 252 pounds—allows him to run with an upright, powerful style that makes him incredibly difficult to tackle. This running style, often compared to legends like Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson, allows him to absorb contact and punish defenders late in games, a critical factor for a team like the Ravens focused on postseason success.
3. The Lamar Jackson Synergy
The combination of Henry's downhill power and Lamar Jackson's elite speed and scrambling ability creates a nightmare scenario for opposing defensive coordinators. The two stars form one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL, forcing defenses to commit extra personnel to the box, which in turn opens up passing opportunities. The synergy between the two players has been a major factor in the Ravens' offensive success.
The Legacy of King Henry: Comparisons to NFL Legends
The discussion around Derrick Henry's place in NFL history inevitably leads to comparisons with other legendary power backs. His combination of size and breakaway speed is a rarity, putting him in a class with only a few others.
Jerome Bettis and Earl Campbell
Many analysts compare Henry’s physical presence and ability to run over defenders to Jerome Bettis, often called "The Bus." However, the more apt comparison in terms of running style and sheer dominance is Earl Campbell. Both possessed an upright running style and a powerful lower body that allowed them to break tackles with ease.
The 2,000-Yard Club
Henry is one of only a handful of players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, an exclusive club that includes legends like Eric Dickerson and Adrian Peterson. This benchmark achievement, which he accomplished in 2020, solidifies his place among the league’s all-time greats. His continued production in 2024 proves that his 2,000-yard season was not an outlier, but a reflection of his elite talent.
Off-Field Ventures: A True Team Owner
Beyond the gridiron, Henry has also expanded his influence into the world of sports ownership. He is a minority owner of Nashville SC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club. This venture places him alongside other NFL stars who have invested in MLS, such as Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson, demonstrating his long-term business acumen and commitment to the Nashville community where he spent the first eight seasons of his career.
As Derrick Henry enters the next phase of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, his massive contract extension and continued elite performance serve as a powerful reminder: the King still reigns supreme. His relentless power, coupled with the Ravens' commitment to the running game, suggests that more records and deep playoff runs are on the horizon for the legendary running back.
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