With a huge season finale, Tennessee Titans running back will finish as the NFL leader in rushing yards in 2019.
The King has claimed his throne as the NFL rushing yards leader, as Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has won his first rushing crown.
Henry (1,329) entered the day third in rushing behind Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (1,361), who was in second, and Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (1,453), who was the league-leader.
After McCaffrey and Chubb gained just 26 and 41 yards in their finales, respectively, Henry blew the doors off the Houston Texans with 211 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries.
Henry’s longest run of the day came in the fourth quarter when he took one for 53 yards to the house. That attempt capped off Henry’s season total of rushing yards at 1,540 yards, and rushing touchdowns at an astounding 16, both career-highs.
Henry rushed for 100 yards just once in his first nine games, but much like last season he came on strong late.
The Alabama product totaled 100 yards or more in five of the last six games he played, and was able to do so while playing hurt. He missed just one game, which was the Week 16 contest against the New Orleans Saints.
It has been a sensational season for Henry, who has emerged as the true superstar of this explosive Titans offense. His rare ability as both a bruiser and home run hitter is a rare combination in today’s NFL.
The fact that he won the rushing title will only help his cause when he becomes a free agent in 2020. The Titans would be crazy not to bring him back, whether that be via an extension, or either a franchise or transition tag.
Whatever the case may be, Derrick Henry has more than proven his worth in Nashville, and he deserves to get paid.