In a season marked by milestones, Derrick Henry continues to solidify his legacy as one of the NFL's premier running backs. After surpassing the 10,000-yard rushing mark this season, Henry is now on the cusp of another achievement, needing just 91 more yards to attain 11,000 career rushing yards—a feat achieved by only 22 other players in the league's storied history.
Not only has Henry made waves with his rushing prowess, but he also celebrated his 100th career touchdown this year. This achievement places him among an elite group, being one of just nine running backs in NFL history to have compiled at least 10,000 rushing yards alongside 100 touchdown runs. His ability to consistently find the end zone highlights a versatility and endurance rarely seen in the modern NFL.
Chasing Legends
As Henry eyes the next milestone on his career rushing list, he finds himself 529 yards shy of overtaking Steven Jackson, currently ranked 18th with 11,438 yards. The pursuit of ascending the all-time list not only underscores Henry's personal goals but also his place in the broader narrative of NFL history. With 16 of the 22 players who have reached the 11,000-yard mark enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Henry's path may very well lead to Canton, Ohio, especially considering that every eligible back with 12,000 yards is already among those hallowed halls.
A Season of Strategic Rest
This season, the Tennessee Titans have implemented a careful strategy to manage Henry's workload. He has exceeded 20 carries in a game only five times, and just twice in the last seven matchups. This approach appears to be setting him up for a strong finish, with an eye toward both immediate success and long-term health. As noted by Willie Taggart, "Derrick hasn't had a lot of carries, a lot of wear and tear on him this year, so I think it's set up perfectly for him to finish the year like he's capable of and what we expect out of him. Derrick is fresh right now, and that's great."
Aiming for the Record Books
Beyond individual records, Henry is also targeting dominance within the current season. He is aiming to lead the league in rushing touchdowns for the third time in his career—a distinction currently shared only with the legendary Emmitt Smith. Achieving this feat would further cement his status as one of the most prolific scorers among running backs in recent memory. Moreover, Henry remains one of eight men to have gone over the 2,000-yard rushing mark in a single season, a testament to his explosive capability and consistency.
As the season progresses, the opportunities for accolades and records abound for Derrick Henry. With strategic rests and a focus on key games, the Titans and Henry will aim to continue their path of success. Each yard gained and each touchdown scored not only adds to Henry’s illustrious career but also contributes to the lore that surrounds his name in the annals of NFL history.