Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. was born on January 4, 1994, in Yulee, Florida. Raised by his grandmother, he was the son of Derrick Henry Sr. and Stacy Veal, who were teenagers at the time of his birth. Growing up in Yulee, Henry was a standout athlete from a young age, excelling in football, basketball, and track.
At Yulee High School, Henry made a name for himself as one of the top high school football players in the country. He set a national record with 12,124 career rushing yards, solidifying his reputation as a star running back. In 2012, he was honored as the Columbus Touchdown Club National High School Player of the Year for his remarkable achievements on the field.
After a highly successful high school career, Henry committed to the University of Alabama to play football for the Crimson Tide. In his time at Alabama, he quickly made an impact, helping the team win the NCAA National Championship in 2016. He set a school record for career rushing yards, surpassing the previous record held by Shaun Alexander.
In the 2016 NFL Draft, Henry was selected in the second round by the Tennessee Titans. He wasted no time establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL, showcasing his exceptional speed and power on the field. In 2020, he was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year after becoming only the eighth player in league history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.
Off the field, Henry is known for his humility and work ethic. Despite his success, he remains grounded and dedicated to his craft. He is also actively involved in charitable efforts, giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Derrick Henry has left an indelible mark on the world of football, from his record-breaking high school career to his impressive NFL accomplishments. His combination of speed, strength, and determination has made him a force to be reckoned with on the field, earning him a place among the elite players in the game.
With his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport, Derrick Henry continues to inspire football fans around the world with his incredible performances on the field.