It's a rarity for running backs to sustain success into their 30s, but Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has been able to do just that. However, people seemingly don't understand how high of a level Henry is still playing at.
Recently, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports released a list of the top 100 NFL players. Henry ranked 45th on Prisco's list -- a steep decline from his ranking of 14th before last season.Â
"He didn't quite have as good a season as he did in 2024, but he still ran for 1,595 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per rush. At 32, you have to wonder when he will truly start to slow down."
While 45th is a solid ranking, a 31-spot drop-off feels harsh after the season Henry had, and until it happens, we shouldn't be waiting for Henry to slow down despite his advanced age. Yes, Father Time is undefeated, but Henry is continuing to defy it. Sometimes you just have to stop anticipating a decline and just sit back and enjoy greatness.
Derrick Henry should be ranked higher than the 45th-best NFL player
Based on Prisco's ranking, he believes Henry is the seventh-best running back in the league, with Bijan Robinson (17), Christian McCaffrey (19), Jahmyr Gibbs (21), Jonathan Taylor (32), James Cook (34) and De'Von Achane (44) all above him.Â
Without a doubt, seventh is a great ranking among running backs, and it indicates that Henry remains elite. At the same time, Henry was far more productive (and dominant) than the seventh-best running back last year, which, to me, indicates that Henry is ranked low for faulty age reasons.Â
Last season, Henry ranked second in rushing yards (1,595) and touchdowns (16). Furthermore, he was tied for second in yards per attempt (5.2). These numbers are more impressive when considering the Ravens' shaky play-calling and offensive line.
Sure, Henry wasn't as great as he was in the previous season, but by all accounts, he was more productive than the seventh-best running back in the league. Again, it's hard to argue that he should have fallen by 31 spots, and the main argument I can think of is simply age.
In fairness, many of these players have more versatility as pass catchers. Regardless, with a rare combination of brute strength and breakaway speed, Henry remains the most physically unstoppable running back in the league.Â
So while I understand ranking versatile weapons such as Robinson, CMC and Gibbs over him, the gap shouldn't be this severe.
Given his consistent production and top-notch conditioning, Henry is well-positioned to stay at an elite level despite his age. If you are still waiting for Henry's play to decline, just sit back and enjoy the show, because that's not happening any time soon.
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