Derrick Henry’s Continued Dominance at Age 32

At 32, Derrick Henry continues to prove himself as one of the NFL’s top running backs. Last season, he accumulated 1,595 rushing yards, the second-highest in the league. He also reached the end zone 16 times, placing him second in rushing touchdowns. With 307 carries, he averaged 5.2 yards per attempt, participating in all 17 games for the third consecutive season.

Henry’s durability and physical style defy expectations considering his stature, 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. Many predicted his intense, downhill running would eventually impact his performance. Yet, he consistently counters those predictions with strong play.

On July 7, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released his rankings of the top 10 running backs for the 2026 season. Informed by input from league executives, coaches, and scouts, Fowler placed Henry at No. 6. He remarked that Henry’s decline seems distant. A veteran defensive coach praised Henry, stating, “He hasn’t really slowed down… Guy takes care of himself like no other.”

As the league shifts towards pass-catching backs like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Christian McCaffrey, Henry maintains his Hall of Fame credentials through his rushing prowess. In two seasons with the Ravens, he has logged fewer than 200 receiving yards and under 20 receptions annually.

Despite his success, fumbles pose a challenge. Over the past two years, he has fumbled seven times, with four occurring in 2025. Opponents may target this vulnerability more as he continues to age.

Ultimately, Henry remains unrivaled as a pure running back. In the final four games of last season, he amassed nearly 600 yards on the ground. This performance highlighted his ability to exhaust defenses before they could tire him.

Looking ahead, the Ravens are strong contenders for the 2026 Super Bowl. Their strategy will likely rely heavily on Henry’s powerful ground attack.