Derrick Henry Responds to Grant Delpit’s ‘Not Hard’ Tackle Remark Ahead of Browns-Ravens
Ravens running back offered a terse reply as Cleveland’s safety said bringing him down was ‘not hard’ before the Week 2 divisional meeting in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry on Thursday pushed back at Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit’s suggestion that tackling him was "not hard," saying he had seen the comment and adding, "We'll see on Sunday," as the teams prepare for a Week 2 matchup in Baltimore.
Delpit, responding to a question earlier in the week, said, "Not hard. We're playing football, man. It's tackle football. Somebody got the ball, you gotta bring him down," remarks that drew attention days before the Browns travel to face the Ravens. Delpit, 26, had four tackles in Cleveland's season-opening loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and was highlighted by the Browns on social media for a heavy hit on Henry last season ahead of the rematch.
Henry, 31 and listed at 252 pounds, downplayed the exchange at Baltimore's practice site while letting his play speak for him. The five-time Pro Bowler rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns in Baltimore's 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills on "Sunday Night Football," though he also fumbled late in that game. Henry was one of the Ravens' most productive players in the opener.
The two clubs enter their divisional rematch looking for their first victories of the 2025 season. Henry had success against Cleveland last year, compiling 211 rushing yards on 31 carries with three touchdowns across two meetings, a stat line Cleveland will aim to contain this weekend. Delpit's earlier-season comments and the Browns' social-media highlight of his past hit on Henry added a layer of public interest to the matchup.
The upcoming game will be an early test in the AFC North, with both teams hoping to right the ship after narrow losses to open the year. Coaches on both sides have emphasized tackling fundamentals and physicality in recent days, framing the contest as one that could hinge on run defense and ball security.
Cleveland and Baltimore will meet Sunday in Baltimore. The brief exchange between Delpit and Henry drew media attention during a week when both teams are evaluating their rosters and schemes after Week 1 losses. The players involved offered measured comments, and the outcome on the field will determine whether the pregame talk proves prescient or premature.