NFLSep 30
Derrick Henry puts Titans ties aside for Ravens reunion matchup
Henry faces Tennessee for the first time since his departure, with strong connections to his former team but his focus firmly on Baltimore.
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Familiar faces, different stakes
Derrick Henry still feels connected to Tennessee, but those bonds will take a back seat when the Baltimore Ravens meet the Titans on Sunday. The running back has received a steady stream of messages ahead of his first matchup against the franchise where he spent eight seasons. Speaking Wednesday, Henry acknowledged the personal significance of facing his former team while trying to keep the reunion from overshadowing the game. His Tennessee tenure included rushing titles in 2019 and 2020, plus NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2020. He departed after the 2023 season trailing only Eddie George on the franchise’s career rushing list.
Baltimore was his preferred destination
Henry said the Titans did not offer to bring him back in free agency. Although the separation brought mixed emotions, he had sensed during his final season that Tennessee was preparing to move on. The Titans signed Tony Pollard before Henry reached his agreement with Baltimore in March 2024. Henry landed a two-year, $16 million contract with the team he said had been his preferred destination. Since joining the Ravens, Henry has rushed for 3,817 yards and 38 touchdowns, leading the NFL in both categories over that stretch. Pollard has recorded 2,334 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns during the same span.
Both sides understand the challenge
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson indicated that Henry’s teammates recognize what the matchup means to him and want to help him beat his former club. Across the line, Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is preparing to face a former fellow captain. Simmons emphasized physical tackling and a collective defensive effort rather than treating Henry differently because of their history. Henry’s affection for Tennessee remains intact. His immediate priority, however, is continuing his success with Baltimore against the team that gave him his NFL start.
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