Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans’ star running back, has made a name for himself in the NFL with his remarkable ability to stiff-arm defenders. Perhaps the most extreme example of this kind of tactic occurred on October 13, 2020. He put on a jaw-dropping stiff-arm to All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, launching him like a ragdoll through the air. This iconic moment continues to be a highlight of Henry’s career. It’s a testament to his remarkable strength and his mastery of the stiff-arm as a lethal weapon.
Since entering the league in 2016, Henry has recorded 64 career stiff-arms on rushing attempts, a testament to his effectiveness as a runner. It’s no surprise that his unique stiff-arm technique has played a role in raising Henry into the pantheon of the NFL’s all-time great running backs. By learning each type of stiff-arm for each situation, he has molded his game to fight off every angle of a defender.
Henry’s greatness on the field is by his own admission, in part due to his athletic gifts. At the 2016 NFL combine, he wowed scouts with his freakish 80.75 inch wingspan. This impressive measurement tied for the third-longest wingspan for a running back since 2003. At 252 pounds, he’s 36 pounds heavier than any other player in the league. Defenders have a tougher time bringing him down purely out of fear of his Herculean frame.
He uses a playful old-school tactic to evade would-be tacklers. Pushing off with his other hand, he swats them aside to clear a runner’s path, rendering his stiff-arms even more devastating. This combination of size and reach not only makes Henry difficult to bring down, it helps him avoid defenders while staying quick and nimble.
Henry’s experience with the stiff-arm began in his second grade of Pop Warner football. That’s when he realized for the first time how effective that move can be. He’s since honed this ability into a defining characteristic of his character on the field.
In this past season opener, Henry wowed us yet again. He utilized that left arm as an old-school jab to keep Cole Bishop at bay, creating space for himself with ease. He put those muscles on display during one game when he knocked 314-pound defensive tackle Grover Stewart to the turf. Fans were wowed by his undeniable power!
Last season’s wild-card win against the Pittsburgh Steelers further highlighted Henry’s talent. He took a direct snap and executed a stiff-arm on safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, illustrating the relentless nature of his play. Fitzpatrick later reflected on the experience, stating that it is “not fun being on the receiving end of that.” He commented on the need to predict Henry’s moves, stating that “I was angrier at myself. I knew it was coming but I was slow to the trigger and didn’t trust what I saw on tape.
Henry’s stiff-arm has received national acclaim off the field. A YouTube video showcasing one of his most memorable stiff-arms has reached 3.8 million views, underscoring the fascination fans have with his playing style.
Other players have sung the same tune regarding Henry’s unicorn-like ability to take games over. Defensive back Chidobe Awuzie quipped about the risks of being on the wrong end of a highlight play: “You don’t want to end up on Twitter for the wrong reasons.” Josh Norman, who was famously embarrassed by Henry’s stiff-arm, shared his perspective: “For me, I don’t look at it from the standpoint of what people say after the fact. We can laugh. It’s a joke. We’re hooked on the rush of competitive athletics. We can’t help it, we are dazzled by the oohs, aahs, glitz and glam!
Henry remains humble about his achievements, stating, “I always say I don’t have a favorite one yet.” This mentality is all in line with his dedication to being a most dangerous player and evolving on the field.
Tyler Linderbaum, a teammate, humorously noted how Henry’s intensity pushes him to perform better: “That’s him telling me to move faster, so I got to get going.” This play is a great example, not just of Henry’s impressive talent, but of his capacity to raise the level of those around him.
Coaches are just as dazzled opening his tutorials on YouTube. John Harbaugh, a respected coach in the league, expressed how challenging it is for defenders: “As an old defensive back, I just envision myself trying to knock that thing down and hanging on for dear life.”
Henry’s approach to football transcends from his deep-seated passion and dedication. He encapsulated this sentiment by stating simply, “Bro, I just give my all in it and put it all in there.”
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