Derrick Henry has been the face of the Tennessee Titans for years now.
Besides being their best player, he also optimizes the tough, hard-nosed culture that head coach Mike Vrabel has worked so hard to create.
Unfortunately for Titans fans, it seems like Henry’s time in Nashville may be coming to an end.
Following Sunday’s disappointing loss to the rival Houston Texans, Henry admitted that the thought of Tennessee tenure ending has crept into his head.
“Yeah, definitely today you had that feeling (that it could be the end of my career with the Titans) … I had hope of kind of slipping in there (the playoffs), and then being eliminated with three games left … I’ve been here my whole career. Definitely wanted to go out strong, which that isn’t the case,” he said.
“I’ll try to give it my all in these last three games and leave it all on the field,” he frustratingly added.
NEWS: Legendary #Titans RB Derrick Henry strongly hints that he will leave Tennessee in free agency.
“I’ve been here my whole career. I definitely want to go out strong, which isn’t the case. Just trying to give it my all these last three games and leave it all on the field.” pic.twitter.com/zS431eO6Uy
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 19, 2023
This season marks Tennessee’s second consecutive losing season. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that they entered the postseason as the #1 seed in the AFC.
For Henry, accustomed to a successful track record, the consecutive losing seasons are unfamiliar territory. The Titans had clinched winning seasons in each of his first six years, making the postseason four times (2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021).
Despite speculation and a disappointing season, the Titans chose not to trade Henry before the deadline, leaving the team facing the possibility of losing the two-time rushing champion for nothing in the offseason.
is it still too late to trade for Derrick Henry??
— Ravens Burner Account (@balravensburner) December 18, 2023
Henry, known for his powerful running style, has defied the typical trajectory of running backs as they approach their 30’s.
For the season, the soon-to-be 30-year-old (on January 4th) has 884 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Although not eye-popping numbers, he clearly has juice left in the tank.
In honor of Derrick Henry Day (2/22/22) here is a thread of highlights from the best running back in the NFL.
Henry takes it 99 yards to the house against the Jaguars on TNF: pic.twitter.com/lwSUtneAUU
— Titan Up Podcast (@TitanUpPod) February 22, 2022
What do you think the future holds for Henry?
Just how much does he have left in the tank?
Do you think the Cowboys would be a good spot for the big fella???
(One thing is for sure – if he does leave Tennessee, he will surely be missed…)
CLASS ACT: #Titans legend Derrick Henry brought children from the Boys & Girls Club on a holiday shopping spree. pic.twitter.com/eWpcHN16i6
Henry gave each child a $350 gift card after shopping with them. Henry assured them he would handle it when some went over. @KingHenry_2.…— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 20, 2023