Colts LB Darius Leonard thinks about Titans RB Derrick Henry during offseason workouts

Clashes between Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry seemingly produce "immovable object versus unstoppable force" on-the-field matchups. Leonard is a three-time All-Pro at his position, while Henry is arguably the most bruising ball-carrier in the business today who has two rushing titles on his resume. 

When healthy, these division foes see each other at least twice each season, but Leonard recently admitted to Jim Wyatt of the Titans' website he imagines facing Henry well before the fall months arrive. 

"In the offseason, I think about him," Leonard said about Henry. "When I am working out, (I think): 'What drills am I going to do to make me better to face Derrick Henry, one of the best backs in the league?' I always joke and say he is like a defensive end playing running back. He is a workhorse, and you can see it in the offseason, and you can see it in the fourth quarter. When things get tough, he is breaking a run for 70 yards, and that just goes to show you what type of player he is. It is amazing competing against Derrick." 

While completing media obligations ahead of this past Sunday's Super Bowl, Henry said it's "cool" Leonard thinks about him in such a way at this time of the year. 

"I definitely respect his game, and the type of player he is. You always have to account for him a lot," Henry added about Leonard. "We play Indy a few times a year. The type of player he is, he is always around the ball, trying to get the ball out. He intercepts the ball, and he makes a bunch of tackles. He is a force to be reckoned with, one of the best defensive players in the league." 

A foot injury kept Henry sidelined through the second half of the 2021 season, but the hope is that he and Leonard will be available and at their bests when they see each other again on the field next fall.