FROM GRIDIRON TO GLOBAL ICON: Alabama Legend and Ravens Star Derrick Henry Named to TIME 100 List
In a moment that cements his status as more than just an athletic powerhouse, Derrick Henry, the hard-charging running back who bulldozed his way into football history books, has been named to TIME Magazine’s coveted TIME 100 list. The annual roster honors the most influential people in the world, and for Henry, the accolade is a recognition of not just his gridiron greatness but also his expanding global footprint as a cultural and philanthropic force. From his breakout years at the University of Alabama to his dominant presence in the NFL, and now his emergence as a socially impactful figure, Derrick Henry’s journey reflects more than mere statistics—it represents transformation, leadership, and the power of perseverance.
Born in Yulee, Florida, Henry’s path to stardom was never paved with gold, but with grit, humility, and a relentless work ethic. By the time he reached high school, he had already made headlines, setting the national high school football rushing record with over 12,000 career yards. Yet even those gaudy numbers did little to hint at the immense impact he would later have on the sport—and on society.
Recruited by numerous elite programs, Henry chose the University of Alabama, a decision that would prove fruitful both for his career and for the Crimson Tide’s continued dominance. Under the guidance of legendary coach Nick Saban, Henry blossomed into a force of nature. In 2015, he etched his name into college football lore by rushing for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, becoming the first Alabama running back to win the Heisman Trophy since Mark Ingram in 2009. But even more than the accolades, it was Henry’s quiet leadership and bruising yet disciplined style that earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
Transitioning to the NFL, Henry was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Initially sharing the backfield, it took a few seasons for Henry to fully ascend into the spotlight. Once he did, there was no turning back. With his signature long strides and stiff-arms that seemed to defy physics, Henry emerged as one of the league’s most feared runners. In 2020, he joined the elusive 2,000-yard club, becoming just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. That same year, he earned the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as a generational talent.
But it wasn’t just his on-field dominance that caught the eye of the wider world. Off the field, Henry evolved into a model of consistency, resilience, and humility. As his profile grew, so did his commitment to making a difference. He established the Two All Foundation, an organization focused on empowering youth through education, mentorship, and physical fitness. The foundation has supported thousands of children, offering scholarships, resources, and leadership programs aimed at breaking cycles of poverty and giving young people a fighting chance—something Henry relates to deeply, given his own upbringing.
Henry’s philanthropic work gained even more prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when uncertainty loomed large, he stepped up by donating to healthcare workers, feeding families in need, and supporting small businesses in both Nashville and his hometown of Yulee. Rather than retreating into the comfort that fame affords, Henry chose to engage more deeply with the communities that shaped him. He became a symbol of hope—not just a superstar athlete, but a man of the people.
In 2024, Henry shocked the football world by signing with the Baltimore Ravens, marking a new chapter in an already storied career. Pairing with quarterback Lamar Jackson, the duo was seen as a dream combination: explosive speed meeting power and vision in the backfield. While many players might fade with age, Henry seemed only to adapt and refine. The move to Baltimore did not just elevate the Ravens’ offense; it reaffirmed Henry’s enduring ability to evolve, both as an athlete and as a leader in the locker room. His presence brought stability, maturity, and a championship mindset to a team hungry for glory.
Yet perhaps what’s most compelling about Derrick Henry—and what ultimately led TIME Magazine to include him in their prestigious TIME 100 list—is how he transcends traditional definitions of sports stardom. He has become a cultural icon, not by chasing celebrity, but by living authentically and purposefully. He remains deeply private, focused, and grounded. He rarely courts the media spotlight, choosing instead to let his actions speak louder than words. Whether it’s mentoring younger players, supporting single mothers, or speaking out on issues of racial justice and equality, Henry brings the same intentionality to his social impact work as he does to breaking through a defensive line.
His influence extends beyond American borders. International fans have embraced Henry as a symbol of power and perseverance. In the UK, where the NFL has been expanding its presence, he’s become one of the most recognizable American football figures. In promotional appearances and international games, Henry’s quiet charisma and approachability have made him a standout ambassador for the sport. Brands have taken notice as well. He’s partnered with Nike, Old Spice, and more recently, international causes focused on youth empowerment and clean water initiatives in Africa—another sign of his growing global relevance.
Still, it would be a mistake to reduce Derrick Henry’s story to a checklist of achievements and endorsements. What truly sets him apart is the narrative arc of growth. From a small-town kid with a dream and impossible expectations on his shoulders, to a collegiate phenom, to an NFL superstar, to a socially conscious global figure, Henry has embraced each stage with humility and grace. In an era when the public often demands vulnerability from its heroes, Henry gives it on his own terms—less through words, more through consistent action.
When TIME editors deliberated on this year’s 100 most influential people, they looked for more than headlines or Twitter followers. They sought individuals whose lives create ripple effects—who shape how we think, act, or imagine the world. Henry’s influence is precisely that kind. He is a player, yes, but also a role model, a philanthropist, and now, thanks to this honor, a recognized global changemaker.
For the NFL, this moment is also instructive. The league often markets its stars based on flashy plays and viral moments, but Henry represents a different kind of marketability—one rooted in dependability, character, and impact. His story is a reminder that influence doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. In many ways, Henry is the antidote to the chaos of celebrity culture. He is slow-burning excellence in a world of flashes in the pan.
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, Henry shows no signs of slowing down. His move to the Ravens has already paid dividends, both statistically and in the locker room. Teammates have called him a “coach on the field,” someone who elevates not only the game plan but the mentality of the entire team. Opponents continue to dread seeing him across the line of scrimmage, knowing full well that tackling Henry is as much a mental test as it is a physical one.
And yet, the most telling measure of Henry’s greatness may not be in yards gained or touchdowns scored. It may instead be found in the thousands of kids who look up to him, in the families he’s helped through his foundation, in the quiet donations made without press releases, or in the example he sets for what it means to be a complete human being—disciplined, dedicated, and driven not only by ambition, but by purpose.
Derrick Henry’s inclusion on the TIME 100 list is more than a personal milestone. It’s a marker of how far sports culture has come in embracing athletes as whole people—complex, evolving, and deeply capable of affecting the world beyond the field. It’s a reflection of how one man can wield influence not just through power runs and broken tackles, but through empathy, consistency, and community leadership.
In the end, Derrick Henry’s story is not just one of athletic excellence. It’s a human story—of struggle and triumph, of giving back and rising up, of staying true to one’s roots while reaching for something greater. He may have started on the gridiron, but today, Derrick Henry stands on a far larger stage—one where the lines aren’t drawn in chalk, but in lives changed.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for publication (press release style, blog layout, or PDF), or if you want to add images or references.
