As the NFL evolves, the legacy of its players often becomes a hot topic of discussion, and few players have generated as much conversation as Derrick Henry. As he enters the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens, the question on many fans’ minds is: How high can Derrick Henry climb on the all-time rushing list?
### Current Standing and Career Overview
As of now, Derrick Henry sits at No. 19 on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,423 rushing yards. To break into the top 10, he needs just 1,317 yards, which would position him ahead of esteemed players like Thurman Thomas and Franco Harris. His performance last season, where he rushed for 1,921 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry, indicates that he is far from done.
Henry’s unique combination of physicality and speed has drawn comparisons to legends like LaDainian Tomlinson and Jim Brown. Ravens coach John Harbaugh believes Henry is among the elite, positioning him alongside the all-time greats like Barry Sanders and Walter Payton. Acknowledging his ability to play at a high level as he ages, Henry’s relentless work ethic and competitive spirit bolster his case for climbing the rushing ranks.
### The Path to the Top 10
Getting past the top 10 will require not just skill, but also consistency. At his current performance level, if Henry maintains an average of 113 rushing yards per game, he could surpass the top 10 mark by Thanksgiving of 2025. However, to reach No. 9, held by Eric Dickerson with 13,259 yards, he needs 1,837 yards this season—an ambitious goal, albeit attainable given his track record.
### Rushing Touchdowns and Record Progression
In addition to his rushing yards, Derrick Henry is also climbing the all-time rushing touchdowns list. With 106 career rushing touchdowns, he is on the cusp of moving past Walter Payton for fifth place (110 touchdowns). Given Henry’s average of over a dozen touchdowns per season over the past few years, it is realistic to expect him to reach this mark soon if he continues to find the end zone regularly.
### Competitors and Challenges Ahead
While Henry has proven to be a dominant force in the league, it’s essential to analyze the competitive landscape. Other key running backs in the league could impede his ascent; however, Henry’s supporting cast—including quarterback Lamar Jackson—could offer him more opportunities and less defensive pressure, potentially leading to even bigger seasons.
With running backs becoming more of a committee role in many teams, Henry stands out as a workhorse back, and so far, he has shown no signs of slowing down. His commitment to maintaining his body—estimated at about $250,000 a year in upkeep—is remarkable and admirable for a player in his 30s.
### All-time Rushing Leader
The most intriguing question about Henry’s future remains: Can he catch Emmitt Smith’s all-time record of 18,355 rushing yards? Currently, he sits a daunting 6,933 yards away. At his average of 1,269 yards a season, Henry would require nearly six more seasons to surpass Smith—a hefty ask that hinges on both performance and health.
However, Henry’s own perspective on this is refreshingly grounded. He maintains focus on the immediate and strives to ensure each game counts, showing a strong commitment to his current team and season rather than putting pressure on himself for future accolades.
### Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
As we look forward to the rest of the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Derrick Henry. His potential to climb the rushing list not only excites fans, but also engages conversations around his legacy in the league. With a combination of determination, skill, and a supportive environment in Baltimore, Henry is primed for a successful season.
Ultimately, how high Derrick Henry will climb on the rushing list remains to be seen, but his journey thus far and the milestones within reach are already significant. As he plays on the big stage, football enthusiasts will undoubtedly be tuning in to witness history in the making.
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