Derrick Henry, famously known as “King Henry,” has carved out one of the most dominant careers in NFL history. Standing tall as a powerhouse running back, Henry combines elite strength, breakaway speed, and relentless drive to dominate opposing defenses. From his early days in Yulee, Florida, to his current position with the Baltimore Ravens, his rise reflects hard work, perseverance, and leadership.
Born on January 4, 1994, Henry’s journey from a small-town athlete to an NFL icon is nothing short of inspirational. Over the years, he has not only shattered records on the field but also established himself as a respected figure off it through his philanthropy and business ventures.
Quick Facts of Derrick Henry
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1994 |
| Age (2024) | 30 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | Yulee, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Alabama |
| Current Team | Baltimore Ravens |
| NFL Debut | 2016 (Tennessee Titans) |
| Nickname | “King Henry” |
| Net Worth (2024) | $12 Million |
| Contract | Two years, $16 Million (Baltimore Ravens) |
| Endorsements | Nike, Old Spice, Geico, Campbell’s Chunky Soup |
| Partner | Adrianna Rivas |
| Children | Two |
| Philanthropy | Two All Foundation |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) / 247 lb (112 kg) |
Early Life and Family Background
Derrick Henry was born in Yulee, Florida, to Stacy Veal and Derrick Henry Sr. His childhood was marked by challenges—his father faced repeated incarcerations, and his mother worked tirelessly to provide stability. Fortunately, his grandmother Gladys Henry became his anchor, raising him with discipline, faith, and compassion.
Even as a child, Henry’s size and athleticism stood out. He played football, basketball, and track at Yulee High School, quickly earning attention for his explosive plays. His dedication and perseverance paid off as he set multiple Florida high school rushing records, paving the way for his collegiate career.
College Career and Rise to Stardom
After graduating high school, Henry accepted a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he thrived under coach Nick Saban. By his junior year in 2015, he had become a household name, winning the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year. His powerful running style led Alabama to a National Championship, solidifying his legacy as one of college football’s greatest players.
In 2016, the Tennessee Titans selected Henry in the second round of the NFL Draft. Over the next eight seasons, he evolved into one of the league’s most feared rushers, repeatedly bulldozing defenders with his strength and acceleration.
Professional Career and Key Milestones
Henry’s career took off in 2019, when he led the NFL in both rushing yards and touchdowns. The following year, he surpassed 2,000 rushing yards, earning the 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award—a feat achieved by only a handful of players in NFL history.
In March 2024, Henry embarked on a new chapter by signing a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. During his Week 3 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, he delivered a vintage performance—rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns, proving that “King Henry” still reigns supreme.
Net Worth, Salary, and Business Ventures
As of 2024, Derrick Henry’s net worth is approximately $12 million, built through NFL contracts, endorsement deals, and personal investments. His base salary with the Ravens stands at $6 million, including a $3.89 million signing bonus and multiple performance-based incentives.
Although Henry ranks only as the ninth-highest-paid running back in the league, his influence far exceeds the numbers. He represents brands like Nike, Geico, Old Spice, and Campbell’s Chunky Soup, and has even ventured into sports ownership as a co-owner of Nashville SC, a Major League Soccer team.
Personal Life and Relationships
Derrick Henry shares his life with Adrianna Rivas, his longtime partner. Together, they have two children and maintain a private yet loving family life. Despite his fame, Henry often credits his family for keeping him humble and focused. On social media, he frequently shares glimpses of family moments, workouts, and community projects—reminding fans of his grounded nature.
Lifestyle and Philanthropy
Unlike many high-profile athletes, Henry lives modestly. He recently sold his Nashville home for $3.1 million before relocating to Baltimore. Beyond his athletic success, he’s deeply committed to giving back through his Two All Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth through mentorship, education, and sports programs.
His philanthropic efforts extend to Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, reflecting his belief in using success as a tool for social change.
Notable Achievements and Honors
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2020)
- Two-time NFL Rushing Leader (2019, 2020)
- Heisman Trophy Winner (2015)
- Alabama All-Time Leading Rusher
- Surpassed 2,000 Rushing Yards in an NFL Season
- NFL Pro Bowl Selections (2019, 2020, 2022)
Interesting Facts About Derrick Henry
- Nicknamed “King Henry” for his size, power, and dominance on the field.
- Has a tattoo of his grandmother, Gladys, to honor her role in his life.
- Known for his legendary stiff-arm technique, which has become one of the most replayed highlights in NFL history.
- Maintains a reputation for being soft-spoken, disciplined, and humble despite his superstar status.
Legacy and Future Outlook
As Henry enters the final stages of his prime, his focus remains on leading the Ravens to Super Bowl contention. Beyond football, his leadership, philanthropy, and consistency continue to inspire younger athletes. His story—marked by perseverance, faith, and excellence—cements his place as one of the most respected running backs in NFL history.
With his ongoing community work and influence, Derrick Henry’s legacy extends well beyond the gridiron. Whether breaking tackles or barriers, he remains a true embodiment of greatness.
