Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith told DraftKings that Derrick Henry’s recent performance shows he could eclipse the all‑time NFL rushing record that Smith set during his career. Smith, who still holds the record with 18,355 yards, said, “Oh yeah, I think it’s possible. Derrick Henry is a bigger back. He takes great care of his body. He’s in great shape.”
Henry’s recent surge
Henry, now 32, added another impressive outing last Sunday. The 6‑foot‑3, 252‑pound running back rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Indianapolis Colts 41‑23. That performance brought his career total to 13,162 yards over 154 games with the Tennessee Titans and the Ravens.
Smith highlighted a personal connection, noting that Henry once broke Smith’s own Florida high‑school rushing record. “Y’all don’t know this, but Derrick Henry broke my high school record. He broke my (Florida) state high school record. So I believe he can do it again,” Smith said.
What the numbers mean
Smith’s record stands at 18,355 yards, meaning Henry is currently 5,193 yards short. At his recent pace, Henry would need to average roughly 1,000 yards per season for the next five seasons to catch up, a feat that is challenging but not unprecedented for a player of his size and work ethic.
Henry’s durability has been a hallmark of his career. Since entering the league in 2014, he has missed only a handful of games, and his conditioning regimen—something Smith praised—has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance well into his thirties.
Expert perspective
Analysts note that while the record is within reach, several factors could influence Henry’s pursuit. The Ravens’ offensive scheme, the health of the offensive line, and the natural wear and tear of a physically demanding position all play roles. Nonetheless, Smith’s endorsement adds weight to the conversation, given his own experience as the NFL’s all‑time leading rusher.
“If anyone knows what it takes to stay on the field and produce year after year, it’s me,” Smith said. “Derrick’s taking care of his body, and that’s the biggest advantage he has.”
Looking ahead
Henry’s next games will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. If he continues to post 1,000‑plus yard seasons, the gap to Smith’s mark will shrink steadily. Even if the record remains out of reach, Henry’s consistency and power running style keep him among the league’s elite backs.
For now, the conversation sparked by Smith’s comments underscores the excitement surrounding Henry’s career and the possibility of witnessing a new all‑time rushing champion emerge.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
