Derrick Henry doesn’t feel worn down. Instead, he’s raring to go.
Henry has more carries (1,529) and rushing yards (7,209) over the last five years than any running back in the NFL. Having turned 30 years old in January, Henry has heard people suggest he’s starting to wear down, even after finishing second in the league in rushing with 1,167 yards in 2023.
For Henry, carrying a heavy load is nothing new. He’s been doing it since high school and has come back strong every season. That’s because Henry is different, a physical specimen with impeccable work habits who plans to push the envelope for running back longevity.
No matter how many carries he gets for the Ravens, Henry isn’t worried about his workload being too much.
“I feel good,” Henry said. “I don’t really try to worry about that. It’s kind of funny. Since high school, I probably got 56 carries in a game, 57 the next week. College 44, 46. NFL, 30-35. I really think it’s just your mindset, how you take care of your body. If it works and you feel good, just keep working and doing what you do.”
Henry has won two rushing titles, was Offensive Player of the Year in 2020, and has made four Pro Bowls. He’ll be running with a chip on his shoulder this fall, but for him, it’s not about getting more individual accolades. Like Lamar Jackson, Henry’s is obsessed with hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
“Super Bowl,” Henry said. “That’s always been the goal, but Super Bowl is definitely where I’m at now.”
Henry Respects Titans Fans Who Still Root for Him
Nashville sportswriter Paul Kuharsky took umbrage recently with Tennessee Titans fans who will still root for Henry in 2024. Henry spent eight seasons with the Titans and was their most popular player, but Kuharsky believes it’s off limits for a true Titans fan to root for Henry now.
“If you root for Derrick Henry to the extent that you want the Ravens to win so much as a game, you are not the Titans’ fan you think you are,” Kuharsky wrote on social media. “Period. Not up for debate.”
Kuharsky’s take got Henry’s attention, and he didn’t agree with it.
“Out of all the stuff we could be talking about?” Henry asked. “If they want to [root for me], I appreciate it. If they don’t, I understand. Why are we talking about this right now?”
Odafe Oweh Confident David Ojabo Will Blossom
Outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo have been close friends since they were high school teammates in New Jersey.
Injuries have limited Ojabo to just five games in his first two seasons with Baltimore. However, two days into training camp, Oweh senses that Ojabo will be a consistent contributor on defense this season.
“He’s ready,” Oweh said. “He’s just waiting to show you guys all when it’s sharpened and ready. I have complete faith in him. He’s a guy who just wants everything to be together before he shows you. He’s going to be ready, trust me. He looks good. Real good.”
Outside Linebackers Had Productive Trip to Atlanta
Justin Madubuike, Ojabo, Oweh, and Tavius Robinson worked out with pass rush specialist Dez Walker in Atlanta prior to training camp. Oweh felt it was a preparation that will help them all.
“It was good work,” Oweh said. “It was hot, really hot. I feel like that is going to prepare us for the weeks ahead.
Madubuike had a breakout season in 2023 after working with Walker during the summer, making the Pro Bowl for the first time. Seeing Madubuike’s success motivated Oweh to join his teammate in Atlanta.
“I had to tap in,” Oweh said smiling.