Derrick Henry’s Record-Breaking Season Continues as He Joins NFL’s Elite

Baltimore’s powerhouse running back Derrick Henry continues to etch his name into NFL history. In the team’s Week 9 victory, Henry rushed for 106 yards and scored two touchdowns, pushing his season total to 11 touchdowns and further solidifying his place among the NFL’s most accomplished runners.

Milestone Achievements: 100 Career Rushing Touchdowns

With these latest scores, Henry now has 101 career rushing touchdowns, making him just the fifth player in NFL history to reach 100 rushing touchdowns within his first nine seasons. He joins a select group that includes Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson (138 touchdowns), Emmitt Smith (125), Jim Brown (106), and Shaun Alexander (100). Henry’s ability to join such legendary company cements his reputation as one of the game’s premier rushers.

Historic Touchdown Streaks

Henry’s impressive season also includes another major milestone: he became only the fourth player in NFL history to tally at least 10 rushing touchdowns in seven different seasons. Sharing this rare feat with Hall of Famers like Tomlinson (nine seasons), Emmitt Smith (eight), and Adrian Peterson (eight), Henry demonstrates unmatched consistency in finding the end zone.

Moreover, Henry stands as one of only three players in NFL history with 10 rushing touchdowns across seven consecutive seasons. Alongside Tomlinson (2001-09) and Peterson (2007-13), Henry’s streak highlights his unwavering performance on the field season after season.

Multi-Touchdown Game Record

Henry’s two-touchdown performance against Baltimore also marked his 26th career game with at least two rushing touchdowns, surpassing icons like Marcus Allen, Shaun Alexander, and Priest Holmes (each with 25 such games). Only a few elite names have more multi-touchdown games than Henry: Tomlinson (38), Emmitt Smith (36), Jim Brown (27), and Adrian Peterson (28).

Joining the 100-Yard, Two-Touchdown Club

Henry’s efficiency is equally impressive. He now has 21 games with at least 100 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, tying Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith for third all-time in such performances. Only Jim Brown and LaDainian Tomlinson, each with 25 games, have more. This accomplishment reflects Henry’s dominance, as few players can consistently combine yardage with multiple scores.

Touchdown Consistency: From Last Season into 2024

This season, Henry has also scored a touchdown in each of his first nine games, a rare feat since 1990. He joins Todd Gurley (10 games in 2018), Arian Foster (nine games in 2012), and LeSean McCoy (nine games in 2011) as one of the few players to open a season with such a streak.

Henry’s scoring proficiency has even transcended the age barrier. Having turned 30 on January 4, 2024, he has now recorded a touchdown in 10 consecutive games dating back to last season. He joins Hall of Famer John Riggins (13 consecutive games from 1982-83) as the only players over 30 to score in 10 straight games, a testament to his durability and talent.

Conclusion: A Legendary Season in the Making

Derrick Henry’s 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable of his career. His continued excellence and record-breaking performances have placed him among the all-time greats. With each game, Henry not only leads his team to victory but also redefines what it means to be a premier running back in the NFL. Fans and fellow players alike are witnessing history in the making.