Derrick Henry Focused on Progress, Not Retirement

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry dismissed retirement as a topic of concern while entering his 11th NFL season, where he stands 10th on the all-time rushing list. Speaking to reporters after a Ravens training camp practice on July 30, 2026, Henry expressed his unwavering commitment to improvement and winning a Super Bowl.

At 32 years old, the age where many running backs may start to see their careers fade, Henry made it clear that retirement is not on his radar. "I don’t try to enter another season thinking about retiring and have that on my mind. That’s not even my mindset," he said. His focus is solely on enhancing his skills to help his team succeed.

In two seasons with the Ravens, Henry has accumulated 3,516 rushing yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone 34 times. He maintains that he believes there’s still more to achieve in his career. "Some days you’re going to feel better than other days, but if that’s what you want to do — if it’s what you’re determined to do — you have to overcome it," Henry shared.

As he enters his 11th season, Henry has rushed for 13,018 yards and knows that with a strong performance this season, he could ascend the all-time rushing ranks, aiming to surpass legends like Eric Dickerson and Jerome Bettis. Ravens coach Jesse Minter praised Henry’s work ethic, noting, "The success that he’s had is a combination of being gifted and having some tools, but one of the craziest work ethics I’ve been around."

In other camp news, rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane made a significant impression during practice, showcasing his skills with an impressive catch from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Lane’s performance drew attention from coaches, emphasizing the importance of gaining trust within the team. Meanwhile, veteran receiver Zay Flowers, while keen to finalize a contract extension, remains focused on learning the offense and developing rapport with teammates as contract negotiations continue.

The Ravens are optimistic about their players’ development as training camp progresses, gearing up for what they hope will be a successful NFL season.