NFL legend
Currently, Henry sits 10th on the NFL’s career rushing list with 13,162 yards. He remains 5,193 yards behind Smith’s career total of 18,355. While the gap remains significant, Smith expressed confidence in the veteran running back’s ability to sustain his high level of performance over the coming seasons.
The Path to the Record
For Henry to eclipse the milestone, he would need to maintain a high level of production over the next several years. Projections suggest that if the 32-year-old continues his career for another four seasons, he would need to maintain an average of 1,300 rushing yards per year to surpass the Hall of Famer. When asked about his chances of chasing down the record last year, Henry remained humble, stating that he would hope to achieve it if his health allows.
Henry’s recent form provides a compelling case for his longevity. Since joining the Ravens in 2025, he has accumulated 3,660 rushing yards, leading the league with an impressive average of 104.6 yards per game. His momentum continued into the current season, where he opened with a dominant 144-yard, three-touchdown performance in Baltimore’s 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
A History of Breaking Records
This is not the first time the two running backs have been linked by statistical milestones. Henry previously surpassed a record held by Smith during his high school career in Florida. Henry finished his prep career with 12,124 rushing yards, comfortably eclipsing the 8,804-yard mark previously set by Smith. Reflecting on that history, Smith noted that because Henry has already proven he can break his records once, it is entirely plausible he could do it again at the professional level.
Teammates have also taken notice of Henry’s sustained excellence. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey admitted that while it is natural to wonder how long a player can maintain such intensity, Henry’s consistent output continues to defy expectations. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on whether the veteran back can continue to defy age and maintain the pace required to reach one of the most coveted records in professional football.
