Derrick Henry made some notable history during the first half of the Ravens’ season-opener against the Bills. During the second quarter of Sunday night’s game, Henry scored his 107th career touchdown run on a 30-yard jaunt that cut Baltimore’s deficit to 10-7.
Henry’s score took him out of a tie with Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown for sixth on the career rushing touchdown list. The record-setting run showcased his game-breaking ability despite being 6-foot-2 and north of 250 pounds.
Henry is in elite company as far as career rushing touchdowns is concerned. Of the running backs who are top-15 all-time in career touchdown runs, Shaun Alexander is the only one who is not in the Hall of Fame who is currently eligible.
NFL career rushing touchdown leaders
|
1. Emmitt Smith (1990-04) |
164 |
|
2. LaDainian Tomlinson (2001-11) |
145 |
|
3. Marcus Allen (1982-97) |
123 |
|
4. Adrian Peterson (2007-21) |
120 |
|
5. Walter Payton (1975-87) |
110 |
|
6. Derrick Henry (2016-present) |
107 |
|
7. Jim Brown (1957-65) |
106 |
|
8. John Riggins (1971-79; 1981-85) |
104 |
|
T9. Shaun Alexander (2000-08) |
100 |
| T9. Marshall Faulk (1994-05) | 100 |
| 11. Barry Sanders (1989-98) | 99 |
| T12. Jerome Bettis (1993-05) | 91 |
| T12. Franco Harris (1972-84) | 91 |
| T14. Eric Dickerson | 90 |
| T14. Curtis Martin | 90 |
Specifically, Henry passing Brown is notable given Brown’s status as arguably the greatest running back in NFL history. During his nine-year career, Brown led the NFL in rushing a stunning nine times. He won league MVP three times while leading the Browns to the franchise’s last NFL title in 1964.
Like Brown, Henry is a physical marvel who is capable of dominating a game in a multitude of ways. His versatility is matched only by his longevity that has allowed him to continue to play at a high level while continuing to climb up the NFL record book.
