Even though his entry into Canton was anticipated, Ravens running back Derrick Henry solidified his eventual place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 28-6 victory over the Dolphins on Thursday night.
Henry gained 119 yards on 19 carries in Miami, becoming the 17th player in NFL history to reach 12,000 career rushing yards. He achieved this milestone with a 35-yard burst late in the third quarter.
Every eligible running back with at least 12,000 rushing yards is enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The 31-year-old Henry is now in the company of some of the greatest running backs in NFL history, including Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Emmitt Smith.
NFL’s 12,000-yard rushers
|
1. Emmitt Smith** |
18,355 |
|
2. Walter Payton** |
16,726 |
|
3. Frank Gore |
16,000 |
|
4. Barry Sanders** |
15,269 |
|
5. Adrian Peterson |
14.918 |
|
6. Curtis Martin** |
14,101 |
|
7. LaDainian Tomlinson** |
13,684 |
|
8. Jerome Bettis** |
13,662 |
|
9. Eric Dickerson** |
13,259 |
|
10. Tony Dorsett** |
12,739 |
|
11. Jim Brown** |
12,312 |
|
12. Marshall Faulk** |
12,279 |
|
13. Edgerrin James** |
12,246 |
|
14. Marcus Allen** |
12,243 |
|
15. Franco Harris** |
12,120 |
|
16. Thurman Thomas** |
12,074 |
|
17. Derrick Henry |
12,052 |
** — Pro Football Hall of Famers
Henry’s career achievements were likely headed to Canton, even before his latest landmark. He recently surpassed Payton for fifth place in touchdown runs (112). He is now one of only eight players in NFL history with at least 100 rushing touchdowns and 12,000 rushing yards.
Last year, Henry recorded 1,921 rushing yards, the most ever for a player over 30. It’s also the most yards in league history for a player who didn’t win the rushing title.
A Heisman Trophy recipient at Alabama, Henry’s NFL accomplishments include consecutive rushing titles and becoming the ninth player in history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.
While it has been underestimated in recent times, Henry shows that the running back position remains relevant.
