Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry Declares Bold Goal: “Bring a Championship to Baltimore and Cement My Legacy as a Hall of Famer”

When the Baltimore Ravens signed Derrick Henry during the 2024 offseason, the NFL world buzzed with anticipation. At 6-foot-3, 247 pounds, the former Tennessee Titans star brought his trademark bruising style to a team already boasting elite talent and Super Bowl aspirations. But what Henry revealed this week goes far beyond simple integration into a new offense.

The 30-year-old running back, entering his ninth NFL season, shared his ambitions in a recent press conference—and he didn’t hold back.

“My goal this season is to lead the league in rushing,” Henry stated confidently. “And more importantly, to help bring a Super Bowl to Baltimore. I didn’t come here just to play—I came here to finish something special.”

Those two objectives—being the NFL’s rushing leader and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy—define the monumental task Henry has set for himself. But with his track record and the Ravens’ ascending roster, many believe it’s far from impossible.

A King in a New Kingdom

Known by fans as “King Henry,” Derrick Henry built a legendary resume with the Titans. He rushed for over 9,500 yards and 90 touchdowns in eight seasons and led the league in rushing yards twice (2019, 2020). In 2020, he became just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

Yet, after years of carrying the Titans’ offense, the two-time Pro Bowler wanted a new challenge. The Ravens offered that challenge and a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl ring.

“I’ve had a lot of individual success,” Henry said. “But football is the ultimate team game. And when I looked at this organization, this locker room, and the culture here—it just made sense.”

Baltimore’s offense is led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, the 2023 NFL MVP, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Henry’s presence gives the Ravens a power-running element they haven’t had in years.

Monken has already said the plan is to make Henry a “workhorse,” and the 2024 season saw flashes of just how dominant the pairing can be. Now with a full offseason to prepare, Henry looks ready to go full throttle in 2025.

Chasing the Rushing Crown Again

Henry’s first personal goal—leading the league in rushing—is one he’s achieved before. But to do it at 31 years old, in an NFL increasingly reliant on the passing game, would be historic.

Only two players in NFL history—Curtis Martin (2004) and Adrian Peterson (2015)—have led the league in rushing at age 30 or older. Henry is hoping to join that elite club.

“I know what people say about age and running backs,” Henry acknowledged. “But I train different. I recover different. And I’ve got more left in the tank than most people realize.”

His offseason workouts, often shared on social media, include intense strength training, footwork drills, and endurance regimens that resemble military training. Henry credits his longevity to this strict routine and a mindset focused on constant evolution.

“I’m not trying to be the same back I was in 2020,” Henry said. “I’m trying to be better—more efficient, more explosive, more patient when I need to be. I’ve learned a lot about my body and about this game.”

Statistically, Henry remained productive in 2024, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns behind a less-than-stellar Titans offensive line. Now, with a stronger supporting cast in Baltimore—including Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard and a retooled offensive line—Henry believes the ceiling is much higher.

Leading a Super Bowl Charge

While personal accolades matter, Henry made it clear: a Super Bowl is the ultimate goal.

“The Ravens have been knocking on the door,” he said. “I want to help kick it down.”

Baltimore finished the 2024 regular season 13-4, securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed, but fell short in the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. That loss still stings in the locker room, but Henry’s arrival has given the team fresh motivation.

Lamar Jackson welcomed the challenge with enthusiasm.

“Derrick’s presence changes the way defenses play us,” Jackson said. “He makes everybody better. And his mentality—it’s contagious.”

Indeed, Henry’s leadership and work ethic have impressed teammates since day one. Linebacker Roquan Smith said Henry has already become “one of the most respected guys in the building,” not just for his performance, but for his preparation and demeanor.

“He doesn’t talk a lot of smack,” Smith said. “But when he talks, you listen.”

The Ravens’ Ground-and-Pound Evolution

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is excited about deploying Henry in multiple ways. While he’s best known for inside zone and power runs, Henry has improved his pass-catching and route running—skills Monken plans to utilize more in 2025.

“You don’t want to limit a guy like Derrick,” Monken said. “Yes, he’s a hammer. But he’s also smart, reads defenses well, and can be a factor in the passing game.”

Monken said the goal is to keep Henry fresh throughout the season while maximizing his impact. Expect to see plenty of two-back sets with Justice Hill or Keaton Mitchell, giving Baltimore a variety of looks.

“We’re going to be physical,” Monken added. “But also creative. We’ve got weapons all over the field. And Derrick’s going to be the centerpiece of that.”

Motivated by Doubt

Henry admits he’s motivated by those who think his best years are behind him. The NFL is notorious for short running back careers, and Henry knows the whispers exist.

“I hear the noise. But I don’t feed into it,” he said. “I let my game speak.”

And historically, when doubted, Henry delivers. In 2019, he wasn’t even a full-time starter until midseason—then led the NFL in rushing and carried the Titans to the AFC Championship. In 2020, skeptics said he couldn’t repeat it. He responded with 2,027 rushing yards.

Now, in Baltimore, he’s trying to rewrite the narrative again.

“I want to be one of the best to ever do it,” Henry said. “And I want to do it while bringing a championship to this city.”

Team Culture Fuels the Fire

One of the biggest reasons Henry chose Baltimore was the team culture. Head coach John Harbaugh has long fostered a physical, no-nonsense locker room where accountability is key. For Henry, it’s a perfect match.

“I’ve always respected the way the Ravens play football,” Henry said. “Tough, disciplined, team-first. That’s how I’ve always played, and it’s how I want to win.”

Teammates say Henry has quickly blended into that culture. During offseason workouts, he often stayed late to help younger backs with technique and film study. He also held informal team dinners to build chemistry—a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.

“He’s all-in,” said wide receiver Zay Flowers. “He’s not here to be a star—he’s here to be a leader.”

The Road Ahead

Henry’s goals won’t be easy to reach. The AFC is stacked with defensive powerhouses—from the Chiefs to the Bengals, Browns, and Jets. Staying healthy is a must. And with his punishing running style, Henry takes more hits than the average back.

But if anyone is built to carry a team deep into January, it’s Derrick Henry.

As training camp ramps up, the Ravens know exactly what they’ve got in the veteran star. And if Henry achieves his ambitious goals—rushing crown and Super Bowl glory—it will go down as one of the greatest seasons ever by a running back.

“I believe in this team. I believe in myself,” Henry said. “I’ve done a lot in this league. But the best chapter—I want that to be written in Baltimore.”

And if King Henry gets his way, that chapter will end with a crown, a ring, and a city celebrating its long-awaited return to the NFL’s mountaintop.