Derrick Henry stiff arms Anthony Edwards' bold tackle claim right into the dirt

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has become the latest target of Minnesota Timberwolves standout Anthony Edwards, who’s never short on confidence.

In a recent interview alongside Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson, Edwards made a bold, and some might say outrageous, claim: he could tackle Henry, one of the NFL's most feared power runners.

Henry, who stands at 6’2” and 247 pounds, has already bulldozed his way to 873 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024, making him the league’s leading rusher and a prime MVP candidate.

Edwards, meanwhile, is 6’4” and weighs in at 225 pounds, but his background is strictly in basketball, not football. The Timberwolves guard’s confidence is commendable, but taking down Henry on the field is an entirely different ball game.

Could Anthony Edwards really tackle Derrick Henry?

Edwards’ comment came during a light-hearted back-and-forth with Jefferson, where he mused about playing safety in the NFL. “If I lifted like y’all, I’d be Derrick Henry,” Edwards declared, adding, “Me and Derrick Henry, we’re the same size.”

Jefferson, clearly entertained, pressed him further, prompting Edwards to double down. “I ain't gonna pop him, but I'm gonna hit that [guy] for sure,” Edwards said with a grin.

When asked about Edwards’ claim, Henry’s reaction was priceless: “Do I think Anthony Edwards could tackle me? Hell no,” he said with a chuckle, acknowledging Edwards’ competitive spirit while making it clear talking about tackling is one thing, doing it is another.

After all, NFL defenders regularly fail to bring down Henry, even when they have a clear angle and a full head of steam. The four-time Pro Bowler’s signature stiff arm has left many a defender in the dirt, and he’s amassed over 7,000 yards after contact since 2018.

Henry even proposed a challenge of his own: setting up a training camp where NBA players could suit up in pads and try their hand at tackling. “Everybody’s got an imagination,” Henry joked. “But let’s see what happens when they actually try to tackle me.”

Edwards’ bravado fits his personality - he’s known for being outspoken and confident, both on and off the court. He’s previously claimed he could hold his own in other sports and has even hinted at wanting to pursue a two-sport career if he wins an NBA championship in the next few years.

But NFL insiders and fans are skeptical, noting that while Edwards’ athleticism is elite, his tackling skills likely wouldn’t measure up against Henry, who’s built a career on making NFL defenders look helpless.

Edwards’ challenge is all in good fun

Edwards’ remarks seem more playful than serious, but they add another layer to his persona as one of the NBA’s rising stars. As for Henry, the Ravens running back appears to be enjoying the banter.

The Ravens, riding high on a 5-2 record and a five-game win streak, are focused on more pressing matters, like pushing toward a Super Bowl. But you can’t deny the entertainment value of an NBA-NFL crossover like this.

In the end, Edwards might be wise to stick to dunking rather than tackling. NFL defenders can barely handle Henry, and it’s unlikely an NBA player, no matter how strong or determined, would fare much better. But Edwards’ willingness to embrace such challenges only boosts his status as one of the league’s most entertaining personalities.

It’s safe to say this imaginary matchup will remain a fun “what if” for fans to debate.

More Ravens news and analysis