NASHVILLE – Derrick Henry earned the NFL's rushing title in 2019, and at the start of another season, the Titans running back is hoping to pick up where he left off.
This week, Henry added another title that's very important to him: Captain.
"Nothing better than getting that respect from your peers, your teammates," Henry said on Thursday. "That's what means the most to me, me being voted a captain. I'm really appreciative of them voting me a captain and just got to do my job of leading."
In addition to Henry, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, defensive lineman DaQuan Jones, safety Kevin Byard and punter Brett Kern were also elected team captains for 2020.
After earning a lucrative new contract during the offseason, Henry plans to lead the way on the field, and in the locker room again this fall.
Titans Coach Mike Vrabel lauded Henry for his leadership during the best year of his NFL career in 2019, when he was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Year and a Pro Bowler for the first time after leading the NFL with a career-best 1,540 rushing yards on 303 carries.
First out of the gate for Henry and the Titans is a trip to Denver on Monday night to face the Broncos.
With at least 80 scrimmage yards vs the Broncos, Henry would become the third player in franchise history to record 10 consecutive such performances in the regular season. He'd tie Eddie George (1998) and Billy Cannon (1961) and trail only Chris Johnson, who did it in 12 straight games during the 2009-2010 seasons.
"They're a very sound defense," Henry said of the Broncos. "They're very fundamental in what they do, they stick to what they do. They just play good defense. They're very physical. I feel like they're very physical from the line, to the linebackers, and the back end as well. Very sound defense, very physical. It's going to be a physical matchup Monday night and I'm excited to get back to football, back to playing.
"(I'm) just excited that football is back; it's a long time coming. We love this game. We love playing this game and going out there against another opponent, trying to win a game with your teammates, your brothers. Just excited to have the season."
A look back at RB Derrick Henry's 2019 Pro Bowl season that saw him rush 303 times for an NFL-leading 1,540 yards (5.1-yard avg.) and 16 touchdowns. (Photos: Donald Page)