NFL

Derrick Henry Prepares for Emotional Reunion Against Former Team

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 30, 2026, 23:37 IST

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry faces the Tennessee Titans this Sunday for the first time since his departure. Despite his deep ties to the franchise, Henry is focused on securing a win for Baltimore.

Derrick Henry Prepares for Emotional Reunion Against Former Team

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is bracing for a unique professional milestone this Sunday as he prepares to face the Tennessee Titans for the first time since departing the franchise after the 2023 season. While Henry maintains a deep affection for the organization where he spent the first eight years of his career, he is clear that his focus remains entirely on securing a victory for his current team.

The veteran running back acknowledged the emotional weight of the upcoming matchup, noting that he has received a flurry of messages from former colleagues throughout the week. Despite the nostalgia, Henry is determined to keep his preparation professional, emphasizing that while the bond with his former teammates remains strong, the competitive nature of the game will take precedence once the opening whistle blows.

A Storied Legacy Meets a New Chapter

Henry’s tenure in Tennessee established him as one of the most significant figures in the franchise's history. During his eight seasons with the Titans, he secured two NFL rushing titles in 2019 and 2020 and earned the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2020. He departed Tennessee as the team's second all-time leading rusher, trailing only Eddie George.

By taking the field on Sunday, Henry joins an elite group of players who have faced a former team after recording at least 9,000 rushing yards and 90 rushing touchdowns for them. This exclusive list includes NFL legends such as Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Adrian Peterson. Reflecting on the transition, Henry admitted that the end of his time in Tennessee felt bittersweet, noting that he sensed the organization was ready to move in a different direction before he signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens in March 2024.

Focusing on the Present with Baltimore

Since joining the Ravens, Henry has continued to perform at an elite level, leading the NFL with 3,817 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns during his tenure in Baltimore. His current quarterback, Lamar Jackson, expressed the team's collective desire to support Henry in this high-stakes reunion, stating that the entire squad is motivated to help him succeed against his former club.

On the opposing sideline, Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, a former teammate and captain, offered a blunt assessment of how Tennessee plans to handle the challenge. Simmons emphasized the need for a collective defensive effort, stating that the team must get all 11 players to the ball to stop the veteran runner. As both sides prepare for the clash, Henry remains content with his decision to join Baltimore, describing the move as the realization of his preferred path during free agency.