Derrick Henry Keeps Climbing NFL Record Books
The Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry continues to make his mark in NFL history. During Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, Henry passed the legendary Walter Payton for fifth place on the league’s all-time rushing touchdown list. With a powerful two-yard touchdown run in the first half, Henry gave the Ravens an early lead and secured his spot ahead of the iconic Chicago Bears back.
Chasing Adrian Peterson
With 111 career rushing touchdowns, Henry is now just nine behind former Minnesota Vikings great Adrian Peterson, who holds fourth place with 120 rushing touchdowns. Ahead of Peterson, Marcus Allen ranks third with 123, LaDainian Tomlinson stands second with 145, and Emmitt Smith remains far in the lead at first place with 164 rushing touchdowns.
Henry’s climb up the ranks has been both steady and hard-earned. Having already passed Jim Brown and now Walter Payton, Henry is cementing his legacy among the greatest running backs in NFL history. Although Emmitt Smith’s record still seems distant, the 31-year-old Ravens star consistently proves he belongs in the conversation with the all-time best.
As the Ravens navigate through Week 8, Henry’s latest milestone serves as another testament to his durability and unwavering consistency over a decade of dominance.
‘King Henry’ Nears Another Wild Record
Henry’s quest for legendary milestones doesn’t stop at the NFL level. He is also closing in on surpassing his own high school rushing total—a national record many thought would stand indefinitely.
During his four seasons at Yulee High School in Florida, Henry set a national record with 12,124 rushing yards. Through seven weeks of the 2025 NFL season, Henry has amassed an impressive 11,862 career rushing yards at the professional level. If he maintains his current pace, he could eclipse his own high school rushing total before the season concludes.
For context, Henry’s high school record surpassed the mark set by Ken Hall in the 1950s. His dominance extended beyond high school, as he earned the Heisman Trophy at Alabama and has secured multiple Pro Bowl selections throughout his NFL career.
Other 2025 Rushing Milestones on the Horizon
Growing up, the running back Henry admired most wasn’t the typical prototype for a 6-foot-3, 250-pound powerhouse. His idol was LaDainian Tomlinson—the 5-foot-10, 220-pound San Diego Chargers legend known for his agility and signature dark visor.
“As I got older, I was like, ‘Man, I’m not LT’s size,’ so I have to be a different type of back,” Henry once said.
Now, Henry is on the verge of joining Tomlinson in another exclusive league. The Ravens running back needs just 1,317 more rushing yards to crack the NFL’s top 10 all-time rushing yards list. Achieving this feat would elevate Henry from his current No. 19 spot past seven Hall of Fame backs: Thurman Thomas, Franco Harris, Marcus Allen, Edgerrin James, Marshall Faulk, Jim Brown, and Tony Dorsett.
Through seven games this season, Henry ranks second in the league with 592 rushing yards and has already scored six touchdowns. His unique blend of power, vision, and resilience continues to make him one of the NFL’s most dominant and exciting players to watch.
With each game, Derrick Henry not only adds to his remarkable legacy but also brings fans closer to witnessing history in the making.
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