Derrick Henry has been one of the most dominant running backs in football for over a decade, and at age 31, he is making it clear that he has no plans of slowing down. The Baltimore Ravens star was asked this week about how long he intends to keep playing and whether retirement is on the horizon.
His response was direct. Henry said that when the time comes, he will know, but right now he does not see himself stepping away. This matters not only for Baltimore but for the entire NFL, as Henry is chasing down some of the biggest names in league history.
Henry is already approaching milestones that connect him with seven Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs. The Ravens are preparing for a season where their offense will lean on him heavily alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson. While other backs have struggled to remain effective into their 30s, Henry is showing durability and production that continue to set him apart. His future is not just about numbers but about the legacy he will leave behind.
Ravens RB Derrick Henry talks about the possibility of surpassing seven Hall of Fame running backs this season, how long he plans to play for and the chances of finishing his career as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher https://t.co/XTmZ0QmprG
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 1, 2025
Henry first became a national name at Alabama, where he powered the Crimson Tide to a national championship and claimed the Heisman Trophy. His size and power made him nearly impossible to stop, which carried into his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans. In Nashville, Henry built a reputation as one of the most feared runners of his era. His 2020 season with over 2,000 yards placed him in rare company, joining only a handful of players in league history to hit that mark.
After eight seasons with the Titans, Henry signed with Baltimore in 2024 to give the Ravens a reliable and physical backfield weapon. Henry played all 17 games, and rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The pairing with Jackson has created excitement around a team looking to finally break through in the AFC. Baltimore’s offensive system, built on speed and strength, now has one of the greatest power backs in history as a centerpiece.
Henry enters this season with the chance to continue to move past several Hall of Famers on the career rushing list. He has already accumulated over 11,000 rushing yards and is well within reach of surpassing names such as Tony Dorsett, Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk in the coming years if he continues his pace. His ability to avoid major decline at a position that often sees careers end early has set him apart.
Henry has been clear that he will decide when his time is up, not outside voices. For now, he is chasing history while helping the Ravens stay among the AFC’s elite. His leadership and production are critical for a team that will need every advantage in a competitive conference. The NFL rarely sees running backs last this long at such a high level, and Henry’s presence ensures that he remains a storyline throughout the 2025 season.
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