At 32 years old, Derrick Henry continues to make his mark as one of the elite running backs in the NFL. Despite being less explosive than in his first season with the Baltimore Ravens where he recorded 1,921 rushing yards, Henry wrapped up the 2025 season with 1,595 rushing yards, placing him second in the league. He also scored 16 rushing touchdowns, again securing the second spot on the leaderboard.

Henry’s impressive performance consisted of 307 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt across all 17 games for the third consecutive season. Standing tall at 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, his robust, downhill running style defies expectations that age might slow him down. He continues to demonstrate an enduring vitality on the field.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently ranked Henry sixth among the top 10 running backs heading into the 2026 season, reflecting the respect he commands around the league. Executives, coaches, and scouts acknowledge his ongoing prowess, emphasizing that his decline seems distant. A veteran NFL coach remarked, “He hasn’t really slowed down, to be honest, at least from what I’ve seen.” The coach highlighted Henry’s ability to maintain a formidable presence, albeit recognizing his limitations as a pass-catching threat compared to others such as Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, and De’Von Achane.

“He takes care of himself like no other,” the coach noted, underscoring Henry’s commitment to personal maintenance.

Despite accumulating fewer than 200 receiving yards and less than 20 catches each season with the Ravens, Henry’s Hall of Fame status remains strong, anchored on his ground game proficiency. However, ball control has emerged as a notable concern, with Henry recording seven fumbles over the last two years, including four in the 2025 season alone. Defenses are likely to exploit this vulnerability as he continues to age, focusing on dislodging the ball instead of attempting to tackle him outright.

Henry’s ability to dominate as a pure running back remains unmatched. Closing the previous season with nearly 600 rushing yards over his last four games, he demonstrated how defenses fatigue against his relentless force sooner than he ever does.

The Baltimore Ravens continue to be strong contenders for the Super Bowl in 2026, relying on Henry’s powerful running to propel them toward victory.