What goes into being the most dominant running back of a generation? For the Baltimore Ravens' new running back Derrick Henry, a lot of time, restrictions, and money.
Henry is entering his first season with the Ravens, a match that looks made in heaven, with one of the league's greatest running backs joining one of the NFL's elite rushing offenses.
At 30, there is some thought that Henry could be on the decline, as he's had a ton of carries under his belt. The 2023 season was one of Henry's worst statistical seasons (though he still produced 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry).
But according to The Athletic's Dan Pompei, Henry goes to extreme lengths to stay fit and stave off a physical decline.
Pompei reports that Henry spends an estimated $240,000 a year on "body maintenance." That includes a personal chef and advanced recovery methods like massages, hyperbaric oxygen, and infrared saunas. Henry also receives IVs with vitamins and nutrients three times a week.
According to Pompei, Henry eats a strict diet with an unusual schedule. Henry avoids gluten, artificial sugar, fried foods, and dairy. During the season, Henry reportedly doesn't eat until 4 or 5 p.m. and will have only other meal afterward. But those meals are massive in nature.
"I probably eat three chicken breasts, some rice and broccoli," Henry told Pompei. "Then I have some gluten-free pancakes, scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, home fries and some steak."
And Henry is maniacal about working out. He does two-a-days shortly after the season, hardly taking any time off. And his lifting regimen includes massive weights, like 80 lb dumbbell curls and Bulgarian split squats with 120 lb dumbbells.
The Ravens have reportedly been confident that Henry will be able to maintain his success in Baltimore, thanks in part to his work ethic and care for his body. That also extends to Henry's demeanor in the film room and at practice.
"One thing about Derrick — he works," Ravens coach John Harbaugh previously told ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "He is a worker, 100% every day, locked in, asks questions, ready to go at practice, in the weight room, training room. [I'm] very impressed. This guy is a true pro, ultimate pro."
The Ravens have not had an elite rusher like Henry in the Lamar Jackson era. And Henry could have a bounce-back year for a team that knows how to run the ball, has an elite dual-threat quarterback in Jackson, and should be leading in a lot games.
If Henry can't get back to his peak this season, it won't be for a lack of trying.
