The King Is Reborn: Why Derrick Henry Finally Cut His Iconic Dreadlocks (And His New Look)

The NFL has a new look for one of its most dominant players. In a move that sent shockwaves across the football world, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, affectionately known as "King Henry," officially cut his signature, decade-long dreadlocks in December 2024, debuting a dramatically different style during the team’s late-season bye week. This was not just a simple trim; it was the removal of a hairstyle that had become as iconic as his punishing running style, one that had been a staple of his look since his high school days at Yulee.

The change marks the most significant visual transformation for Henry since he entered the league, giving the 6' 2", 252-pound powerhouse a fresh appearance as the Ravens push toward the playoffs. The news, confirmed just days ago, instantly went viral, sparking massive discussion among fans and media who had long associated his powerful runs with the dreadlocks flowing out of the back of his helmet, a look often compared to other NFL legends like Troy Polamalu and Clay Matthews Jr.

Derrick Henry: The King's Biography and Profile

Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. is one of the most decorated and physically imposing running backs in the history of football, known for his rare combination of size, speed, and durability.

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• Full Name: Derrick Lamar Henry Jr.
• Nickname: King Henry, El Tractorcito (The Little Tractor)
• Date of Birth: January 4, 1994 (Age 31 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Yulee, Florida
• Height & Weight: 6' 2", 252 lbs.
• High School: Yulee High School (Set the national high school football record for career rushing yards with 12,124 yards)
• College: University of Alabama (Alabama Crimson Tide)
• NFL Draft: 2016, Round 2, 45th Overall (Selected by the Tennessee Titans)
• Current Team: Baltimore Ravens (Signed in 2024)
• Key Career Highlights & Awards:
  • Heisman Trophy (2015)
  • Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award (2015)
  • College Football Playoff National Champion (2016)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2020)
  • 2x NFL Rushing Yards Leader (2019, 2020)
  • 2x NFL Rushing Touchdowns Leader (2019, 2020)
  • Member of the exclusive 2,000-yard single-season rushing club (2,027 yards in 2020)
  • 4x Pro Bowl Selection

The Shocking Reason Behind The Iconic Hair Change

For over a decade, Derrick Henry’s dreadlocks were an integral part of his persona, a visual identifier that made him instantly recognizable on the field, even with his helmet on. The hair was a constant from his record-breaking days at Yulee High School, through his Heisman-winning season at the University of Alabama, and throughout his dominant tenure with the Tennessee Titans.

The question on every fan's mind was simple: Why now? The answer, as revealed by Henry himself, was surprisingly straightforward and refreshingly low-key. The running back told reporters, "I just wanted to change something. I've been wanting to do it, and I finally did it."

This simple desire for a personal change, a fresh start, aligns perfectly with Henry's recent career transition. After spending eight years establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone with the Titans, the 2024 move to the Baltimore Ravens marked a significant shift. The new haircut, executed by Bronx-based celebrity hair stylist TimaaSlayz during the team's Week 14 bye, symbolizes a complete rejuvenation: new team, new city, new energy, and now, a new look.

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The timing is strategic, coming at the start of the final push for the NFL playoffs. For a player who relies on punishing physical play, shedding the weight and maintenance of long dreadlocks could offer a subtle, psychological boost as he prepares for the grueling postseason schedule. The debut of his new, shorter cornrows hairstyle was highly anticipated for the Ravens' next game against the New York Giants.

The Cultural Impact of Henry's Dreadlocks

Henry's previous hairstyle transcended mere fashion; it had become a cultural entity within the football community. His flowing hair was a symbol of his relentless, powerful running, often seen trailing behind him as he steamrolled defenders—a visual that earned him the nickname "El Tractorcito" (The Little Tractor) from Spanish-language broadcasters.

The hair was so iconic that it inspired unique fan merchandise. During his time at Alabama, Crimson Tide faithful began crafting custom hats that featured a synthetic dangle of Henry's trademark braids sticking out of the back. Henry himself acknowledged the phenomenon, expressing amusement: "People kept sending me that. I was like 'who in the world' would think of that?"

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The strong reaction to the change highlights how deeply his look was embedded in his brand. Many fans drew parallels to other athletes whose long hair was inseparable from their identity, such as safety Troy Polamalu, whose locks were legendary. For Henry, the dreadlocks represented a decade of dominance, from shattering Herschel Walker's SEC single-season rushing record to becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, surpassing Chris Johnson's franchise record.

The transition to cornrows is viewed by many as a sign of Henry embracing his new chapter with the Baltimore Ravens. While the long hair is gone, the power, the drive, and the nickname "King Henry" remain. The new, cleaner look perhaps signals a renewed focus on securing the one major accolade that has eluded him so far: a Super Bowl ring. The Baltimore faithful are hoping this dramatic change is a sign of a rejuvenated star ready to carry the team deep into the postseason, proving that the style may change, but the King’s reign is far from over.