The arrival of running back Derrick Henry has changed the dynamic of the Ravens, from the locker room to the field.
The 6-foot-2, 247-pound back has established himself as a relentless force across the NFL. Renowned for his bruising physicality and punishing running style, Henry has been a nightmare for defenses throughout his career.
On March 12, 2024, the Ravens signed the former All-Pro running back to a two-year, $16 million deal, solidifying their backfield with one of the league’s most dominant playmakers. Henry has continued to showcase his elite form this season, totaling 704 yards and eight touchdowns on 119 carries.
Henry’s most electrifying moment came in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills when he broke free for an 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens’ very first play, setting a new franchise record for the longest run in the team’s history.
Fellow Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell has enjoyed the show while recovering from a torn ACL.
“We [are] locked in, for real,” Mitchell said on The Arthur Maulet Show on Oct. 1. “Being locked in with Derrick Henry, one of the best running backs to ever be in the NFL, sit in the same meeting room as him, it’s just a dream come true. I take it in every day.”
Mitchell’s time with Henry has been full of lessons on how to get better as a player. Henry knows what it truly means to be a professional athlete, knowing that there are a lot of sacrifices to be made off the field in order to perform under the bright lights.
Henry recently became the 13th player in NFL history to run for 10,000 yards and record 100 scrimmage touchdowns. He has set a good example and standard on what it means to be part of a football team.
“That’s a different dude, the way he takes care of his body,” Mitchell said. “You walk in the facility, he eats straight spinach, no dressing, no toppings, nothing, straight spinach — spinach and avocado, no topping, no ranch, no flavor, no sauce, nothing.”
Running back Justice Hill has also noticed how seriously Henry takes his job.
“Derrick, he’s a pro, man,” Hill said on The Arthur Maulet Show Oct. 8. “He approaches the game with a seriousness and pro-like mentality and that’s why he is who he is.”
Playing alongside a veteran like Henry offers a unique learning experience for any player. For Hill, it’s an opportunity to grow by watching how Henry approaches each day with focus and intensity. Getting to know a teammate with such dedication has helped Hill fine-tune his mindset and elevate his performance on the field.
“Just for me, I always observe everybody. I learn from everybody,” Hill said. “I’ve learned a lot from [Maulet]. I’ve learned a lot from [Henry]. But that’s the one thing I really can say is he takes every day serious.”
Hill says one of the most impressive qualities about Henry is his ability to stay focused, no matter the situation. Whether he’s on the field or taking time to unwind, he never lets distractions pull him away from what matters most. It’s this mindset that has helped shape him into the person and player he is today.
“Even during times where he can relax and have fun, do whatever, he’s still locked in on his goals and that’s what really makes him who he is today, for real,” Hill said.
For more from Hill, watch the full interview here.
For more from Mitchell, watch the full interview here.
Photo Credits: Kenya Allen/PressBox