The Alabama Crimson Tide has as many NFL stars as just about any program in the country, and fans down here get the chance each and every Sunday to cheer on those who used to wear Crimson.
The chief among them might just be 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, who has gone on for the last decade to become one of the best running backs in the history of the NFL, and certainly of his time.
Two years ago, many doubted whether Henry was going to continue his success after departing the Tennessee Titans in free agency for the Baltimore Ravens. Especially at a time in the NFL where running back careers are shorter than they have ever been. Expectations across the league for Henry with his new team were not all that high, yet he made history.
Henry became just the fourth player in league history to record 3,000 or more yards in his first two seasons with a new team after back-to-back huge campaigns for Baltimore. After totaling over 1,900 yards with 16 touchdowns in 2024, Henry logged his fourth consecutive and seventh overall 1,000-yard season, adding 10 more touchdowns this year.
After suffering from fumble issues early in the season, Henry has bounced back to establish himself once again as one of the best backs on the planet. Though he’s likely on the back nine of his career, the Alabama legend clearly can still get it done.
No matter what uniform he’s wearing, fans in Tuscaloosa will be watching and rooting for Henry for the remainder of his career.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
