NASHVILLE – Derrick Henry's offseason workout videos have become legendary.
From running hills to lifting weights to exercise routines with chains around his neck, the Titans running back has been willing to try just about anything.
"I am just working," Henry said on Thursday. "It can get crazy at times, but I am really just working out."
With a smile, Henry admitted he does have his limits.
It turns out his trainer, Melvin Sanders, has a pretty big imagination.
"Standing on (your) head and doing a flip," Henry said with a smile. "I am not doing all of that – I am not getting ready for karate or an Avengers movie. I am just trying to get ready for football.
"Melvin, he comes up with these different workouts, and he usually does them before I do. I'll be like: 'I want to try that and see if I can do it.' Sometimes I am not (able). Sometimes there's bloopers that you guys don't see. … I just try to implement anything I can to help me get better. That's all he wants to do for me, and that's all I want to do. Anything I can do to get better, working out on the field, running hills."
Henry, heading into his sixth NFL season, returned to work with his teammates for the start of training camp earlier this week.
After the 2020 season, when he rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns, he has a tough act to follow.
Henry, of course, followed up his 2019 season pretty well. He's now led the league in rushing two years in a row, and he's looking to keep things going this fall.
"Just wanting to get better, never being complacent, and just staying hungry," Henry said of his mindset. "I love coming to work, love coming to work to be with the team. I just want to come out here and get better every day. That has always been my mindset – to elevate my game any way I can."
Named the 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press, Henry, who was also named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press, became just the eighth player in league annals to rush for at least 2,000 yards in a season.
His 2,027 rushing yards gave him the fifth-highest total in NFL history behind Eric Dickerson's 2,105 (1984), Adrian Peterson's 2,097 (2012), Jamal Lewis' 2,066 (2003) and Barry Sanders' 2,053 (1997). Henry broke Chris Johnson's franchise mark of 2,006 rushing yards in 2009.
Henry also became the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson (2006-07) to lead the NFL in rushing yards in consecutive seasons. Henry previously led the league in 2019 with 1,540 rushing yards.
Henry said on Thursday he wants to succeed for many reasons, including his young daughter.
"Little Tornado" is what we call her," Henry said of Valentina Allure Henry, who was born last May. "I definitely do it for her. That is all the motivation I need, having my little one, looking at her, and coming out here. … She is everything to me."
He's also motivated to be successful for his career, and his teammates.
During the early stage of training camp, Henry has spent time in the sandpit at Saint Thomas Sports Park after working in different periods in practice.
In his first press conference of camp, Henry brushed off questions about the possibility of becoming the first back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. He wanted nothing to do with topics about his success, and personal goals.
At the start of another season, Henry is focused on doing his part to help the team.
Again.
"I am focusing on getting better each and every day, coming out here competing, leading," he said. "Just doing all the things I can do to help this team, and to get ready for the season. But it starts out here in the film room, in meetings, and it translates onto the field to get better.
"I don't get caught up in (other stuff). I just focus on me getting better. I want to get better every day, put in the work and compete. I am excited football is back and I'm happy to be back with my teammates, back with my team."
