The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 on Thursday, welcoming running back Roger Craig among the new inductees. Craig is the first running back to earn this honor since Edgerrin James was inducted in 2020, marking the longest gap between running backs entering the Hall of Fame since the period between Gale Sayers (1977) and O.J. Simpson (1985).
Craig’s 11-season career featured four Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod in 1988, the year he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year. His achievements underscore the rarity of running backs reaching this level of recognition in recent years.
Derrick Henry’s Impressive Career and Current Outlook
Parallel to Craig’s accolades, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens has made a significant impact over a decade-long NFL career, including five Pro Bowl invitations and a 2020 first-team All-Pro selection, when he also captured the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Despite these accomplishments, Henry expressed reluctance when labeled a future Hall of Famer during this week’s appearance on FanDuel TV’s Up and Adams.
I appreciate that, but I don’t see myself as that yet,
Henry remarked.
Like, Hall of Famer, like, I really don’t. I’m being honest, but I appreciate you. I’m being real, I’m being real with you. Like, I still got so much to do. Like, I don’t see myself as that. I don’t, I don’t, but I appreciate the words.
Statistically, Henry’s career surpasses Craig’s in several categories. Whereas Craig amassed 8,189 rushing yards with 56 touchdowns on the ground, along with 4,911 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, Henry boasts 13,018 rushing yards and 122 rushing touchdowns, complemented by 1,801 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His total scrimmage yards stand at 14,819 with 127 total touchdowns, edging ahead of Craig’s 13,100 yards and 73 touchdowns.
Playoff Success: A Notable Difference Between the Two Players
An important distinction in their careers is Craig’s Super Bowl success with the San Francisco 49ers, winning titles with three different teams. In contrast, Derrick Henry has yet to reach the NFL championship game during his career. This gap weighs heavily on Henry’s aspirations.
I want to win a Super Bowl,
Henry stated emphatically.
So, I mean, that’s my main goal. But, I think, whatever comes with it, I’ll be thankful for it, but I want to ring.
Remaining Time to Achieve Championship Goals
At 32 years old, the former Alabama All-American’s window to secure an NFL title remains a question for fans and analysts alike. Henry, however, voiced a clear focus on the present and future rather than his career timeline during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Stephen A. Smith Show.
I haven’t even thought about how much time I got left,
Henry admitted.
I don’t even see me stopping no time soon, to be honest. So I feel good, man. And I think when that time comes, I’ll move on to the next chapter, but I don’t see that time no time soon.
His recent 2025 season performance supports this outlook, as Henry finished second in the NFL with 1,595 rushing yards and scored 16 touchdowns, demonstrating his enduring value on the field.
I thought it was all right,
Henry reflected on his season’s performance.
Could have been a lot better. I know I’m getting tired of coming to Radio Row every god-dang Super Bowl time of the year. Ready to be playing in it. But, yeah, it was all right. I mean, I finished it strong, but could have been a lot better.
Engagement Off the Field and Support for the Super Bowl Teams
Aside from his on-field exploits, Henry has been active in media appearances this week at the Super Bowl in support of Oikos, starring alongside actress Kathryn Hahn in the company’s first Super Bowl commercial.
I was very excited to be able to collaborate, have a partnership with Oikos for their big ad for the big game, for the commercial, my first Super Bowl commercial,
Henry shared.
which I’m excited about to be able to collaborate with Oikos and Kathryn Hahn, which I had an a phenomenal time shooting a commercial with her.
Regarding the teams competing in Super Bowl LX, Henry expressed his support for the New England Patriots, whose head coach, Mike Vrabel, was also his coach during six seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
I’m rooting for him, Henry said.
He did a heck of a job this year. For the first year, coaching his former team that he played for and leading them to a Super Bowl is incredible.
Reflecting on Career Challenges and Team Changes
The closest Henry has come to playing in a Super Bowl was during the 2019 season, when the Titans lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 35-24 in the AFC Championship Game. The Ravens, Henry’s current team, missed the playoffs this past season after a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final regular-season game, finishing 8-9 and failing to win the AFC North.
I know we were picked to be the Super Bowl champs,
Henry said openly.
We felt like we could accomplish that, but it just didn’t unfold that way. But that confidence ain’t never going to leave us. We got a confidence in ourselves and every player on that team. We got a new coach coming in, excited for that, excited for what’s to come, excited for what’s new. But that mindset and that focus is still there.
The Ravens replaced longtime head coach John Harbaugh, who led the team for 18 seasons, hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Harbaugh quickly accepted the head coaching position with the New York Giants.
Between (Harbaugh) and the owner, GM and everything like that, it felt like a change was needed,
Henry explained.
and that’s what transpired. And, you know, sometimes we don’t understand why things happen, but you got to trust the man above that put you in the right position. And coach Harbaugh got an opportunity with the New York Giants, and I’m happy for him with that.
Looking Ahead to Another Season and Personal Growth
Henry has one year left on his contract with Baltimore and plans to use the offseason to improve further, aiming to deliver an even better performance in his 11th NFL season than he did in his 10th.
I just think when I go in the offseason, I’m more focused on the things that I didn’t do or what I need to get better at,
Henry told CBS Sports Radio.
because they constantly play in my mind. And that’s what I kind of use as motivation and fuel is trying to get better at those things and attack those things every day. And then think about elevation of my game, trying to be better than I was in the year before, no matter if it was better or worse. How can I get better? And just keep that same mindset and keep attacking every day till that time comes to get back and put those helmet and pads on.
Derrick Henry’s candid reflections reveal a player who, despite incredible career achievements, remains passionate and focused on reaching new milestones—especially winning a Super Bowl—before considering Hall of Fame accolades. His commitment serves as a reminder of the persistent drive elite athletes maintain as they navigate their legacies in the NFL.
