Derrick Henry bulldozes Bills as Ravens' running game roars to start of 2025 season
Henry's stiff-arm touchdown and seven carries for 100 yards by mid-second quarter put him sixth on NFL all-time rushing touchdown list
Derrick Henry delivered a dominant early showing for the Baltimore Ravens against the Buffalo Bills, punctuated by a forceful stiff-arm touchdown and a rapid accumulation of yards that silenced any question about a decline entering the 2025 season.
The 31-year-old running back blasted past Bills safety Cole Bishop on a run that ended in a touchdown and, by midway through the second quarter, had compiled 100 rushing yards on seven carries. The score moved Henry to sixth on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown list with 107, surpassing Jim Brown.
Henry's size and power were on full display early in the game. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds and in his tenth NFL season, he showed the acceleration and contact balance that have defined his career, breaking through the line and finishing runs with force. The touchdown and quick yardage clip set the tone for what teammates and supporters described as a vintage Henry performance in the opener of the new NFL season.
Reaction on social media was immediate. Former player-turned-broadcaster Pat McAfee highlighted the blend of size and athleticism, writing, "Annual 'Derrick Henry is way too damn big to be that athletic' tweet." Sports Illustrated NFL reporter Albert Breer noted Henry's physical appearance and longevity, saying, "Not sure how Derrick Henry still looks like this in his 10th year." A fan posting as "Captain Touchback" wrote: "For some people their worst nightmare may be falling from a plane. For defensive backs…it’s Derrick Henry with momentum."
Henry's touchdown elevated his standing among the league's career scoring leaders. With 107 career rushing touchdowns, he moved past Jim Brown and now sits three behind Walter Payton, who finished his career with 110 rushing scores. The milestone came without any immediate evidence that age has diminished his effectiveness in high-contact situations.
The performance offers early evidence that Henry will remain a central component of Baltimore's offense as the season progresses. Teammates, coaching staff and observers will watch whether the Ravens can harness Henry's physical style across a full game plan and season, and whether he can continue to climb the NFL's career leaderboards over the coming weeks.
Game and team statistics beyond Henry's early totals were not immediately available. The running back's quick start, combined with the historic touchdown milestone, was the standout development from Sunday night's matchup.