Donald Page
Derrick Henry’s name was on the lips of every Titans fan (and foe) last spring when the NFL’s leading rusher courted the idea of becoming a free agent.
At the very last minute, the Titans made the decision to place the franchise tag on Henry and in July, the former second-round pick (who carried the team to the postseason last year) was offered a lucrative four-year contract extension. And just like that, Henry was back in his blues. But Henry’s drive to succeed is nothing new.
“From an early age I fell in love with sports,” he says. “Growing up, I always played with my cousins who were older and bigger than I was. I was always competitive, and I always wanted to win. I hated to lose! As I got older, that mindset translated into me becoming the competitor that I am today. I come from a big, tightknit family that has always supported me and they’re one of the main reasons that I made it this far.”
He’s just as passionate about giving back. Last year Henry founded the Two All Foundation, which exists to level the playing field for today’s youth so that their future is not limited by their circumstances, upbringing, background, disability, or influence.
“We are dedicated to being a resource that impacts communities and equips young people to reach their full potential by instilling strong core values in their lives and providing support to all adolescents in need,” he says.
And as for staying with the Titans for four more years? Henry couldn’t be happier.
“I love the organization. I love my teammates. I love the fans. I always appreciate the support from the city of Nashville,” he says. “It’s a dream come true.”