Derrick Henry Honored with Selection to FOX Sports’ All-2020s Half-Decade Team, Cementing His Titans Legacy.

Derrick Henry has once again proven that his legacy is far from over. FOX Sports recently announced its All-2020s Half-Decade Team, and the Tennessee Titans’ iconic running back found himself rightfully included among the elite. This honor is more than just a recognition of numbers or highlight-reel runs—it’s a testament to years of dominance, perseverance, and unrelenting work ethic that has made Henry one of the most feared and respected players in the NFL.

From the start of the decade, Derrick Henry has been on a mission to etch his name into football history. Coming off a stellar 2019 campaign in which he led the NFL in rushing yards and carried the Titans deep into the playoffs, Henry began the 2020s with unmatched momentum. In 2020, he became just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, joining the likes of Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, and Adrian Peterson. His 2,027 yards that year led all players by a wide margin and cemented his status as the game’s premier power back.

Henry’s style of play is unlike anything else seen in the modern era. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing around 247 pounds, he brings a rare combination of size, speed, and vision. Few defenders are eager to meet him head-on, and many have found themselves on the wrong end of a stiff arm that has become one of Henry’s signature moves. But it’s not just brute force that defines his game—Henry has shown incredible stamina, patience in the backfield, and an underrated ability to break outside for long runs once he clears the first wave of tacklers.

The selection to the FOX Sports All-2020s Half-Decade Team is especially meaningful considering the adversity Henry has faced during the decade. After his incredible 2020 season, he suffered a foot injury in 2021 that cut his season short. For many backs, a mid-career foot injury might spell the beginning of decline. But Henry returned in 2022 and 2023 with the same power and productivity that fans had come to expect. He continued to shoulder a massive workload for the Titans, often being the focal point of the offense, even as the team went through changes at quarterback and on the offensive line.

In a league that often moves quickly from one star to the next, Henry has remained a constant. His consistency is not just impressive—it’s rare. Running backs typically have short career peaks due to the physical toll of the position. But Henry has managed to defy that trend, leading the league in carries and yards multiple times and continuously serving as the engine of the Titans’ offense. His durability, discipline, and preparation have allowed him to maintain a level of play that’s earned him respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

Over the first half of the 2020s, Henry has racked up accolades that most players only dream of. In addition to being named Offensive Player of the Year in 2020, he has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and named to the All-Pro team. He’s consistently ranked among the NFL’s top 100 players, as voted by his peers, and he continues to climb the all-time rushing charts. As of mid-2025, he sits within striking distance of several major career milestones, including 10,000 rushing yards and 100 total touchdowns—numbers that all but guarantee future Hall of Fame consideration.

What makes Henry’s impact even more profound is what he’s meant to the Tennessee Titans franchise. Drafted in the second round in 2016, he spent the early part of his career sharing the backfield. But once he was given the reins, he took full control and never looked back. His performances have often been the difference between winning and losing for Tennessee, particularly in seasons where the team’s passing game struggled. Henry’s ability to carry the ball 25 to 30 times a game, wear down defenses, and produce late-game heroics has given the Titans a reliable identity in an ever-changing NFL landscape.

Off the field, Henry has also earned praise for his leadership and community involvement. Known for his humble demeanor and work ethic, he has served as a role model for younger players and fans alike. He’s taken on a leadership role in the locker room, setting the tone with his actions more than his words. In the community, he’s been involved in charitable efforts focused on education and youth development, making him not just a football icon, but a respected figure in Tennessee and beyond.

Being named to the FOX Sports All-2020s Half-Decade Team places Henry alongside other superstars who have defined the NFL over the last five years. This group includes quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, wide receivers such as Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill, and defensive stalwarts like Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons. For Henry to stand out among such talent is a reflection of the profound respect he commands across the league.

This recognition also comes at a crucial time in Henry’s career. As he enters the latter part of his prime, questions naturally arise about what the future holds. Will he continue with the Titans for the remainder of his career? Could he eventually sign with another team in search of a Super Bowl ring? Wherever he plays, it’s clear that Henry’s reputation as one of the decade’s most dominant players is already secure.

And yet, for all that he’s accomplished, Henry remains as driven as ever. His off-season training regimen is the stuff of legend, featuring intense strength work, speed drills, and footwork exercises that keep him at peak performance. He’s never been content to rest on past achievements, and that mindset has helped him remain a top-tier back well into his 30s. In a position where youth is often favored, Henry continues to set the standard.

When fans look back on the 2020s, Derrick Henry’s runs will be among the most replayed and remembered. From 90-yard sprints to game-winning drives, from playoff heroics to regular season dominance, his body of work reads like a highlight reel. Few players have combined individual greatness with team importance as seamlessly as he has. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a sense that something spectacular might happen.

The honor from FOX Sports is not just an acknowledgment of talent—it’s recognition of Henry’s complete body of work through five grinding seasons. It affirms his place in the pantheon of modern greats and reminds everyone that greatness isn’t just measured by one season or one stat line. It’s built over years of effort, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

While awards and honors are gratifying, Henry himself would likely say the ultimate goal is still ahead—a Super Bowl title. He’s come close before, but team success has sometimes eluded him. Still, with his continued production and leadership, there’s no doubt he’ll be a crucial piece in any future playoff run. And if his performance in the second half of the 2020s is anything like the first, there’s a good chance his legacy will grow even larger.

In the end, Derrick Henry’s inclusion on the All-2020s Half-Decade Team is more than just a nod from the media. It’s a confirmation of what fans have known all along—that he’s one of the most dominant forces in football today. It honors not only his physical gifts but the mindset and resilience that have allowed him to sustain success at one of the NFL’s most punishing positions. As the decade marches on, Henry’s story continues to be written, but the chapters so far have already placed him among the greats. The Titan legacy lives on, and it’s wearing No. 22.