In the world of the NFL, there are few players as dominating and physically imposing as Tennessee Titans’ running back Derrick Henry. Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and power, Henry has been a force in the league ever since he burst onto the scene as a full-time starter in 2018. In his relatively short career, Henry has established himself as one of the most fearsome runners in NFL history, racking up 2,000 rushing yards in a single season and earning back-to-back rushing titles in 2019 and 2020.
As of 2025, Henry’s name is now synonymous with NFL greatness, and many are wondering if he can achieve something even more remarkable: breaking the all-time rushing record. The record, held by Emmitt Smith with 18,355 yards, has stood for over two decades. While Henry’s path to the record is fraught with challenges, his unique skill set and the drive to succeed make him a legitimate contender for the title of the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
However, while Henry’s talent is undeniable, achieving this monumental feat will require more than just elite ability on the field. He will need to maintain a high level of performance, avoid injury, and remain consistent for several more years—factors that have tripped up many other backs before him. In this article, we will explore whether Derrick Henry can surpass Emmitt Smith’s all-time rushing record, examining his physical gifts, the challenges he will face, and the key elements that will determine his success.
Derrick Henry’s Career: A Meteoric Rise
Derrick Henry’s journey to the NFL was anything but ordinary. The Alabama product was widely regarded as one of the best running backs in college football history, and his performance during his junior year, where he rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, solidified his place as a top draft prospect. Despite his college success, Henry’s early years in the NFL were marked by slow development, with the Titans using him in a committee approach alongside other running backs like DeMarco Murray.
It wasn’t until the 2018 season that Henry truly became the focal point of the Titans’ offense. Henry’s breakout came during the final stretch of the season when he racked up 1,059 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in his last eight games. His 99-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars remains one of the most iconic plays of his career.
In the years since, Henry has been nothing short of dominant. His back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, including his 2,027-yard season in 2020, cemented him as one of the best running backs of his generation. Henry’s combination of size (6’3″, 247 pounds), speed (4.54-second 40-yard dash), and vision make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He is capable of running over defenders, out-running them to the outside, and evading tacklers in the open field, all while maintaining a rare level of durability for a running back.
Henry’s 2,000-yard season in 2020 put him into elite company, as only eight other players in NFL history have reached that mark. His unique ability to churn out consistent yardage over multiple seasons, even as defenses know he is the focal point of the Titans’ offense, speaks volumes about his talent and determination.
The All-Time Rushing Record: Emmitt Smith’s Legacy
The current all-time rushing record is held by Emmitt Smith, who accumulated 18,355 career rushing yards during his illustrious career with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. Smith, who played for 15 seasons (1990-2004), is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time. His ability to produce consistent yards over such a long career, combined with his durability, football IQ, and vision, made him an unstoppable force.
While many running backs have come close to breaking Smith’s record over the years, none have been able to surpass it. Smith’s consistency and ability to stay healthy over a 15-year career allowed him to rack up the yards necessary to break the record. Even after his retirement, his name remains synonymous with NFL rushing greatness, and his record has stood the test of time.
For Derrick Henry, breaking this record would require him to not only be as dominant as Smith was but also to maintain a level of consistency and durability that few other backs have been able to achieve. Henry has the talent, but the longevity that Smith displayed is what separates the two.
Key Challenges for Derrick Henry in the Pursuit of the Record
1. Durability and Injuries
One of the most significant challenges Derrick Henry will face in his pursuit of the all-time rushing record is durability. Running backs, especially those who rely on power running and physicality as Henry does, often face a much higher risk of injury. Injuries to key joints such as the knees, ankles, and feet are common for running backs, and these injuries can severely hinder a player’s ability to sustain their performance over many seasons.
Henry has had a relatively healthy career so far, but he has had to battle through injuries in the past, including a significant foot injury in 2021 that caused him to miss the majority of the second half of the season. Although he has managed to bounce back from that injury, the wear and tear of a physically demanding position can take its toll over time.
In comparison to Smith, who played 15 seasons in the league, Henry would need to maintain a high level of health and avoid significant injuries for several more years if he is to even have a chance of surpassing the all-time rushing record. Even with his incredible athleticism and physicality, Henry must stay on the field for as many seasons as possible.
2. The Changing Nature of the NFL
The NFL has undergone significant changes since Emmitt Smith’s heyday, particularly in terms of how teams approach the running back position. The rise of passing offenses, the proliferation of running back by committee systems, and the increased emphasis on throwing the football have led to a decline in the number of running backs who receive a heavy workload.
Teams now focus on keeping running backs fresh, rotating them in and out of the lineup to reduce the risk of injury and wear on their bodies. This trend could work against Henry as he continues his career. While he has thrived as a bell-cow back in Tennessee, the league’s shift toward more specialized roles and running back committees could limit the number of touches he receives in future seasons.
Additionally, as the Titans continue to build their roster, the focus on running the ball may decrease if Tennessee decides to prioritize their passing game. Quarterback play will become increasingly important as teams move toward more spread-out offenses, which could lead to fewer opportunities for Henry to rack up rushing yards in the future.
3. Age and the Decline of Running Back Performance
Historically, running backs tend to experience a significant drop-off in performance after the age of 30. The pounding that running backs take year after year begins to take its toll, and many players find themselves unable to produce at the level they once did. Derrick Henry is currently 31 years old, and although he has defied the aging curve for the most part, the nature of the position makes it difficult for players to maintain peak performance as they get older.
Smith, for example, played well into his 30s, but the majority of his career’s rushing yards were accumulated in his 20s. Henry, while still at the peak of his powers, will likely see some decline in production as he ages, even if he can remain durable. The question, then, is how long Henry can keep playing at a high level and how much longer he can produce at the level required to break the record.
Henry’s Path to the Record: What He Needs to Do
To surpass Emmitt Smith’s all-time rushing record, Derrick Henry would need to maintain a high level of production and stay healthy for several more seasons. As of the 2025 season, Henry has accumulated over 8,000 career rushing yards. With an average of 1,500 rushing yards per season, Henry could potentially pass Smith’s record within the next four seasons, assuming he remains healthy and productive. However, a decline in his production as he ages or an injury that causes him to miss significant time would slow that trajectory considerably.
To accomplish this goal, Henry will need to continue refining his game. Maintaining his health will be paramount, as will his ability to adapt to changing offensive systems and roles. His versatility as a rusher, whether running between the tackles, outside, or catching passes out of the backfield, will allow him to continue being a threat as he ages.
Derrick Henry has the rare combination of talent, physical ability, and work ethic to challenge the all-time rushing record. However, surpassing Emmitt Smith’s 18,355 career rushing yards will not be an easy feat. It will require not only continued dominance on the field but also a remarkable level of consistency and longevity—factors that have often doomed other great running backs in the past.
While Henry has defied the odds in the past, he faces significant challenges as he enters the latter stages of his career. Injuries, changes in the NFL’s offensive landscape, and the natural aging process will all play a role in whether Henry can break the record. If anyone has the potential to do it, however, it’s Derrick Henry. His physical gifts, combined with his dedication and rare ability to stay at the top of his game, give him a legitimate shot at surpassing the all-time rushing record.
In the end, whether or not Henry surpasses Smith’s record, he will go down as one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game, and his pursuit of this monumental achievement is just another chapter in what has already been a remarkable career.
