Derrick Henry has sobering comments after historically bad game
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) listens to the National Anthem before facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 11, 2022, in Nashville. Photo: George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry spoke to the media Sunday like a man who knew his days in Nashville were numbered.
Henry had one of the worst games of his career in the Titans’ 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
The 3-time Pro Bowler rushed for a measly 9 yards on 16 carries with no touchdowns. That’s an average of just over half a yard per carry. He also had 4 receptions for just 1 yard.
The Titans star became the first player in NFL history to have 20 touches while generating fewer than 15 yards from scrimmage. It will probably be a very long time before someone does worse than Henry’s 10 total yards.
Derrick Henry is the first player in NFL history to have at least 20 touches in a game and produce less than 15 yards from scrimmage.
— Ryan McDowell (@RyanMc23) December 17, 2023
During his postgame press conference, Henry was asked about whether he felt his run with the Titans “could be over” after Sunday’s debacle. Henry spoke honestly about the end being near.
“Yeah, definitely today. You had that feeling. … I’ve been here my whole career. Definitely wanted to go out strong, which that isn’t the case. I’ll just try to give it my all in the last three games and leave it all on the field,” Henry said.
Derrick Henry says the feeling really hit him today that his #Titans career could be coming to an end… pic.twitter.com/i7xfspJEL8
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) December 17, 2023
In the first quarter, Henry couldn’t even muster a 1-yard rush for a touchdown on 1st-and-goal. Instead, quarterback Will Levis dove into the end zone on second down to give the Titans a 6-0 lead. Henry served as a decoy on the play.
Capping off an 83-yard drive with a dive into the end zone #ProBowlVote + @will_levis
📺: Watch #HOUvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/FMasbTKPH6— Titans (Oilers Version) (@Titans) December 17, 2023
Levis clearly represents the Titans’ future, while Henry remains a muscle-bound vestige of the team’s past and fading present. The moment seemingly played out like an unofficial passing of the torch.
Henry has spent all 8 seasons of his career with the Titans. He’s rushed for 9,219 yards with 88 touchdowns in 116 games for Tennessee.
Henry enjoyed his best season in 2020, when he was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and earned a 1st-Team All-Pro selection. He led the league in both rushing yards (2,027) and rushing touchdowns (17) during that campaign.
Henry is in the final year of the 4-year, $50 million contract he signed in 2020. His name was floated around in trade talks but he ultimately remained with the Titans.
