Derrick Henry in Big Move to get $30 Million Contract
The Baltimore Ravens have made a huge move by signing running back Derrick Henry to a $30 million contract. This exciting news has thrilled fans and surprised experts, showing the team’s determination to improve after their 2024 season. Even star quarterback Lamar Jackson was speechless, highlighting how serious the Ravens are about winning.
A Smart Move
Signing Derrick Henry is a brilliant decision for the Ravens. Henry is known for his incredible strength and quick moves on the field. His addition changes the team’s offensive game plan in a big way. As one of the NFL’s top players who can change a game on his own, Henry raises hopes for a strong Ravens season.
Also read : Volkswagen Tayron vs. MG Majestor
Who is Derrick Henry ?
Derrick Lamar Henry Jr., born on January 4, 1994, in Yulee, Florida, is a name synonymous with dominance in American football. Known as “King Henry” for his imposing physical presence and unparalleled rushing ability, Henry has carved out a legendary career in the National Football League (NFL) as a running back for the Baltimore Ravens. At 31 years old, Henry’s journey from a small-town prodigy to an NFL superstar is a story of resilience, talent, and strategic financial growth. This article delves into his biography, personal life, professional achievements, wealth, cars, social media presence, and more, painting a comprehensive picture of one of football’s most formidable figures.
Early Life and Family
Derrick Henry was born to Stacy Veal and Derrick Henry Sr., who were just 15 and 16 years old at the time. His parents’ young age and challenging circumstances shaped Henry’s upbringing. His father, known as “Big D,” faced legal troubles, with 20 arrests for offenses including drug and prostitution-related crimes, leading to an inconsistent presence in Henry’s life. His mother, Stacy, became a hemodialysis technician.
Henry was primarily raised by his paternal grandmother, Gladys, in Yulee, Florida, who nicknamed him “Shocka” due to the surprise of his birth. Gladys was a pivotal figure, providing stability and instilling values that Henry credits for his success.
Derrick Henry’s passion for sports emerged early. At age two, he would clutch a football in toy stores, evading his aunt as if she were a tackler. While he excelled in baseball and basketball, football became his true calling. His grandmother’s dirt road on Kutana Drive served as his first gridiron, where he played with his grandfather Benjamin until his passing when Henry was six.
High School Career
At Yulee High School, Derrick Henry was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track. His football prowess as a running back for the Yulee Hornets was extraordinary. As a freshman in 2009, he rushed for 2,465 yards and 26 touchdowns. By his senior year in 2012, he set a Florida high school record with a 510-yard performance against Jacksonville Jackson and finished the season with a state-record 4,261 yards and 55 touchdowns, averaging 9.2 yards per carry.
His career total of 12,124 rushing yards broke Ken Hall’s national high school record, and his 153 touchdowns rank fifth all-time. Henry never rushed for fewer than 100 yards in a game, earning the nickname “King Henry” from local crowds. He was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 1 by ESPN, and played in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
In track, Derrick Henry competed as a sprinter, posting a personal-best 11.11 seconds in the 100-meter dash in 2011. His athletic versatility underscored his exceptional talent.
College Career at Alabama
Derrick Henry committed to the University of Alabama, playing for the Crimson Tide from 2013 to 2015. As a freshman, he rushed for 382 yards on 36 carries, often overshadowed by T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake. His breakout came in the 2014 Sugar Bowl, where he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, earning the nickname “El Tractorcito” (The Little Tractor) from ESPN Deportes for his powerful stride. In his junior year of 2015, Henry rushed for an SEC-record 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, breaking Herschel Walker’s single-season record. He won the Heisman Trophy, Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Award, and helped Alabama secure the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship.
NFL Career
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (45th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, Henry began as a backup to DeMarco Murray. His rookie season saw 490 yards and five touchdowns. By 2018, he emerged as a starter, setting a Titans record with 238 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a single game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2019, he led the NFL with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. In 2020, he became the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards (2,027), leading the league with 17 touchdowns.
Despite a foot fracture in 2021, Henry returned for the playoffs, showcasing his resilience. In 2023, he joined the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $16 million contract, with incentives up to $20 million. In 2025, he signed a $30 million extension with $25 million guaranteed, ensuring his tenure through 2027, when he’ll be 33. Henry holds the NFL record for most 200-yard rushing games and is second only to Adrian Peterson in career earnings among running backs, with $97 million earned. His physical dominance, marked by his patented stiff arm, has made him a future Hall of Fame candidate.
Personal Life
Henry has been in a relationship with Adrianna Rivas since 2016, the year he was drafted. Rivas, born in 1994 in Texas, holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Texas. The couple has two daughters: Valentina Allure, born May 18, 2020, and Celine Amor, born April 22, 2024. Rivas often supports Henry at games, notably celebrating his 99-yard touchdown run in 2018 and his 2024 Ravens signing. Henry has described fatherhood as his greatest motivation, though he humorously noted the sleepless nights. The family, including their two dogs, is close with teammates like Ryan Tannehill’s family.
Wealth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Henry’s net worth is estimated at $12 million to $20 million, driven by his NFL contracts, endorsements, and investments. His current Ravens contract includes a $6 million base salary for 2025, a $3.89 million signing bonus, and performance incentives, such as $500,000 for 13 touchdowns. Endorsements with Nike, Old Spice, Geico, and Campbell’s Chunky Soup bolster his income. Henry is also a co-owner of Nashville SC, a Major League Soccer team, reflecting his strategic diversification. His financial success mirrors his on-field dominance, though the NFL’s evolving view of running backs limits long-term deals.
Cars and Lifestyle
Henry’s affinity for cars is well-documented. In 2014, a photo of him with a candy apple red Dodge Challenger, nicknamed “Fiona,” sparked speculation, but it was registered to his former coach J.T. Medley, purchased for $26,000 with contributions from Henry’s parents and another coach. While specific details on his current car collection are private, his net worth suggests he can afford luxury vehicles. Henry maintains a low-key lifestyle, focusing on family and philanthropy, often sharing glimpses of his life on social media.
Social Media Handles
Henry is active on social media, engaging fans with updates on his career and family:
- Instagram: @last_king_2 (over 730,000 followers)
- Twitter/X: @KingHenry_2 (over 284,000 followers)
He does not have a public Facebook presence. Rivas also shares family moments on Instagram (@adriannayasmin), celebrating Henry’s milestones.
Physical Attributes
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) and weighing 247 pounds (112 kg), Henry is a physical specimen. His 40-yard dash time is around 4 seconds, and his 100-meter dash best is 11 seconds. His size and speed make him nearly impossible to tackle, earning him pushed the reputation as the NFL’s most physically dominant runner.
Legacy and Impact
Derrick Henry’s journey from Yulee to NFL stardom is a testament to talent and perseverance. His high school jersey is retired, and his records at every level—high school (12,124 yards), college (2,219 yards in a season), and NFL (2,027 yards in 2020)—highlight his greatness. Off the field, his investments and endorsements show business acumen, while his family life grounds him. As “King Henry” continues to dominate with the Ravens, his legacy as a record-breaker and role model grows, inspiring the next generation of athletes.