Derrick Henry and Julio Jones, two Alabama alumni, have been ranked among the NFL’s top players of the past 25 years based on PFF grades.

The NFL has seen a multitude of stars rise and fall over the last quarter-century. While some players have come and gone, others have etched their names into the league’s history, leaving legacies that will be remembered for decades. Among the players who have had a transformative impact on the game are two standouts from the University of Alabama: running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver Julio Jones.

Both Henry and Jones have been ranked among the NFL’s best players of the past 25 years, as determined by Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, which are a detailed assessment of player performance based on statistics, on-field analysis, and key metrics. For Alabama football, these two players represent the pinnacle of success in both college and professional football, but their journeys to greatness are marked by hard work, determination, and unparalleled talent.

In this article, we’ll explore the careers of Derrick Henry and Julio Jones, how they rose to become two of the best players in NFL history, and what makes them stand out in an era filled with incredible talent.

Derrick Henry: The Unstoppable Force

The Rise of a Titan

Derrick Henry’s career has been defined by his unrelenting power, explosive speed, and the ability to take over a game at any moment. A product of the University of Alabama, Henry’s success in the NFL has been nothing short of historic. From his early years with the Tennessee Titans to his status as one of the most dominant running backs in league history, Henry has captivated football fans with his unique combination of size and athleticism.

Henry’s journey to the NFL began in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he played for the University of Alabama from 2013 to 2015 under legendary head coach Nick Saban. His career at Alabama was marked by a series of incredible accomplishments, none more notable than his 2015 Heisman Trophy-winning season, where he ran for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the nation in both categories.

Henry’s decision to enter the NFL Draft in 2016 was met with high expectations. The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round, 45th overall. While Henry’s first few seasons in the NFL were solid, it wasn’t until 2019 that he truly broke out and established himself as one of the league’s premier running backs. That year, Henry ran for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping lead the Titans to the AFC Championship Game. He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and his performances throughout the season solidified his place as one of the NFL’s elite players.

The King of the NFL

What truly sets Derrick Henry apart from other running backs is his size and power. At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Henry is a rare physical specimen in the NFL, combining the build of a power back with the speed of a sprinter. In 2020, Henry became just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 2,027 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. His ability to break long runs, often outrunning defenders despite his size, made him an unstoppable force.

Henry’s 2020 campaign was one of the most dominant in recent NFL history. His performance was not only a testament to his skill but also a demonstration of his durability. Unlike many running backs, who tend to wear down over the course of a season, Henry thrived in the final stretch of the year, putting together a series of dominant performances that included a 250-yard game against the Houston Texans. Henry’s raw physicality and ability to wear down defenses over the course of a game were key to his success.

Henry has consistently ranked among the top running backs in PFF’s player grades since entering the league. His PFF grades reflect his ability to consistently generate yards after contact, his vision, and his ability to break tackles. In a league that is increasingly becoming pass-heavy, Henry’s ability to dominate on the ground remains a unique and valuable asset.

The Legacy of Derrick Henry

At the time of writing, Derrick Henry remains a top-tier running back in the NFL, known for his combination of power, speed, and durability. He has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest running backs of his era, and his inclusion among the top players of the past 25 years speaks volumes about his impact on the game. As he continues to add to his impressive career, Henry is poised to be remembered as one of the most dominant forces in NFL history, much like the Alabama greats who came before him.

Julio Jones: The Perfect Receiver

The Journey to the NFL

Julio Jones, much like Derrick Henry, made his name at the University of Alabama, where he played for Nick Saban from 2008 to 2010. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Jones was an absolute phenomenon on the field, combining size, speed, and athleticism in a way that made him one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects in college football history.

Jones entered the NFL Draft in 2011, after leaving Alabama early, and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the sixth overall pick. His combination of physical tools was unrivaled in the draft, as he stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 220 pounds, with the speed and agility of a much smaller receiver. That combination of traits made him an immediate threat, and he quickly became one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

The Dominance of Julio Jones

From the moment he entered the NFL, Julio Jones was a star. In his rookie season, he recorded 54 receptions for 959 yards and 8 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, it was his performances in the years that followed that solidified his legacy as one of the best receivers of all time. Jones’ ability to make contested catches, run perfect routes, and gain yards after the catch made him an unstoppable force in the NFL.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jones’ career is his consistency. He has been a model of excellence for nearly a decade, with multiple 1,000-yard seasons and several All-Pro selections. His combination of speed, size, and agility allows him to separate from defenders in ways few wide receivers can, and he has consistently been one of the NFL’s best at making plays down the field.

Jones’ ability to perform in clutch moments also sets him apart. Whether it’s a crucial third-down conversion or a deep touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, Jones has consistently delivered for his teams when it mattered most. His legendary performance in the NFC Championship Game in 2017, where he caught 9 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, remains one of the finest displays of wide receiver play in recent NFL history.

Throughout his career, Jones has been a regular fixture at the top of PFF’s wide receiver grades, often ranking as one of the best players at his position. His ability to run every route in the book with precision and his unique ability to win both contested catches and deep balls made him a matchup nightmare for defenders.

The Legacy of Julio Jones

Even as Jones has aged and played for multiple teams later in his career, his legacy as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time remains unquestioned. His place among the top players of the last 25 years is a testament to his dominance, work ethic, and the impact he has had on the game.

Jones will be remembered for revolutionizing the wide receiver position, showcasing that players with his combination of physical gifts could be game-changers in both the short and deep passing game. His longevity, consistency, and ability to perform at an elite level year after year ensure that he will be considered one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game.

Why They Rank Among the NFL’s Best

Both Derrick Henry and Julio Jones have achieved greatness in their careers, but what sets them apart from other players is their unique skill sets and their impact on the game. In an era of football that has increasingly become pass-oriented, Henry’s ability to dominate as a running back with a rare blend of power and speed has made him an anomaly. Jones, on the other hand, redefined the wide receiver position with his size, speed, and route-running precision, setting a new standard for what elite wide receivers could accomplish.

Their rankings among the NFL’s best players of the past 25 years, as determined by PFF grades, reflect their undeniable impact on the game. Both players have set records, won accolades, and consistently delivered performances that have redefined their respective positions. They are not just great players; they are icons of their generation.

 A Legacy of Excellence

Derrick Henry and Julio Jones have left an indelible mark on the NFL. Their careers have been defined by their exceptional talent, their ability to perform on the biggest stages, and their unwavering commitment to being the best. From their time at the University of Alabama to their dominant runs in the NFL, both players have built legacies that will be remembered for years to come.

For Alabama fans, Henry and Jones represent the pinnacle of success—two players who have taken the lessons they learned in Tuscaloosa and translated them into greatness at the professional level. Their inclusion among the NFL’s best of the past 25 years is a testament to their hard work, their talent, and the lasting impact they have had on the sport of football.