Running Back Derrick Henry Ready To Go, Isn't Concerned If It's His Final Ride With Titans

NASHVILLE — Facts are facts, and they are often undeniable. And for Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, there's no denying that he's going to turn 30 years old before this 2023 season ends — and it's the last season of his four-year, $50 million contract.

So now, the clock it ticking heading into Sunday's season opener at New Orleans against the Saints.

Tick, tick, tick.

"I am just taking it one day at a time, and not getting too caught up in it," Henry said when asked about the potential finality that comes with this season, his eighth in the NFL after a brilliant college career at Alabama. "I'm thankful that I am able to make it to Year 8, and be playing for this organization as long as I have. I'm just trying to be the best player I can be each and every week, come out here and be a great leader for this team, and try and help everybody get better in any way possible.

"Fortunately, I am living my dream playing in the NFL. I am not trying to get too caught up in that – I'm just being thankful for what I have right now. We'll take it one step at a time and whatever happens, happens. I'm not putting any limits on myself and hopefully I can leave the game on my terms. I still have a lot left in the tank."

Henry is still considered one of the best backs in the game, and last year he ranked second in NFL with 1,538 rushing yards and 1,936 total yards from scrimmage. He had 13 rushing touchdowns — tied for second-best in the NFL — and he became the fifth player ever with 10-plus rushing touchdowns in five straight seasons.

He wants more of the same in 2023. After not taking any preseason-game snaps, he's ready to get after it on Sunday in New Orleans.

"That's the nature of the game (getting physical), going out there and lowering my pads the best I can. It's going to be fun,'' Henry said. "It's always been the same. I love football – I have been playing since I was five years old. Any time you are getting ready for a game, it's always exciting. It's game week – football is back, and I'm looking forward to it."

The Titans have a new offensive coordinator in Tim Kelly, and changes are certainly afoot after Tennessee's offense fell apart a year ago under OC Todd Downing during a seven-game losing streak at the end of the season. The Titans finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs, and Downing was fired.

Kelly wants to play at a faster pace, and the Titans hope to be better throwing the ball, especially with big free agent signee DeAndre Hopkins now anchoring the receivers room.

But their identity is to still be physical and run the ball with Henry. That's probably not going to change.

This is still very much Henry's team.

"I'm excited about the offense in general and for us to get out the make plays together that we've been practicing and repping throughout the offseason and training camp,'' Henry said. "(It's new), so we'll just have to wait and see.''

Henry shares the running backs room with rookie Tyjae Spears, Tennessee's third-round pick, and second-year man Julius Chestnut, who had just nine carries a year ago.

"It's been fun getting to know everybody, and getting the new guys acclimated to how we work,'' Henry said. "We're been improving every day since we got back, and I'm just trying to help everybody and put it all together for Sunday.''

Henry has been a durable back during his seven-year career, but he's missed both games against New Orleans in 2019 and 2021 due to injury. So he's excited about finally banging heads with them on Sunday at Noon CT in the always-loud Caesers Superdome.

"I love the environment in general, and it's the first game in the dome (this season) so it's going to be loud. I played there in college (twice) and it was loud. The big thing about watching film (of the Saints), and seeing the things they like to do.

"But it is Week 1 and they are going to run stuff we haven't seen, and that's how it goes in the league. But they are a great defense – they have great experience over there, they're disruptive, they have guys that fly around and get to the ball."

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