Derrick Henry, the Baltimore Ravens’ powerhouse running back, is preparing for his second year with the team in the 2025 NFL season, determined to lead the Ravens towards Super Bowl success. Henry’s impact on the Ravens and NFL has become evident, as his physical playing style and dedication have helped shape Baltimore’s team identity around dominance and resilience.
Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart praised Henry’s dedication to his physical condition and work ethic, noting that despite being a veteran, Henry nearly matched his career-best statistics during the previous season.
“If you watch his work ethic, and you see the way he works on and off the field, how he takes care of his body, and then just to watch him out there, you don’t see a downside,”
Taggart said.
“He’s still getting stronger, if you ask me. … If you look at the performance he had last year—one of his better years—and that’s nine years in. That’s big time. It’s important to him. He told you guys a minute ago (that) he wants to win a Super Bowl, and I know he’s going to do everything he can to help this football team accomplish that.”
—Willie Taggart, Ravens RB Coach
Henry’s Commitment Earns Respect and Shapes Team Culture
Since arriving in Baltimore last offseason, Henry has focused on earning the respect of his teammates and embraced the team’s culture. He described his experience adapting to the Ravens as more than just football—it’s about the brotherhood and shared mission.
“Coming here, everything was new, and all I wanted to do is gain my respect from my teammates and everybody in this organization,”
Henry said.
“Over time, as I got here, I just fell in love with everything, with the brotherhood, by the way (they) work, how they approach everything, and then get into the season (was) just like icing on the cake. I know we came up short, but it was a lot of fun, and we have a lot of great players—a lot of top players in this league, playmakers—so it’s always fun when you have guys around you that are at the top of their position and can change the game at any point.”
—Derrick Henry, Ravens RB
Coach Taggart also highlighted how well Henry personifies the Ravens’ identity and the spirit of Baltimore itself.
“He fits our identity as an organization, and I think he fits Baltimore as a city and what the city stands for,”
Taggart said.
“When you always watched the Ravens play, it was always dominating and physical, and when you watch Derrick run, it’s dominating and physical. You think about our city, we’re dominating and physical, so I think he just fit everything about Baltimore and the Ravens organization. Everyone I talked to about the Ravens’ organization, before I got here and now being a part of it, it’s always been top-notch. The Ravens’ organization is one of the best in the league, and then Derrick came here, and he’s top-notch and one of the best running backs in the league.”
—Willie Taggart, Ravens RB Coach
Shaping a Physical and Dominant Team Identity in Baltimore
Derrick Henry’s powerful running style and relentless approach align perfectly with the Ravens’ longstanding identity of physical dominance. His presence on the field not only contributes significantly to Baltimore’s offensive strategy but also reinforces the team‘s gritty image and competitive spirit. This alignment has boosted the morale within the team and energizes fans who expect a strong contender for the Super Bowl.
Other NFL Quarterback Developments as Ravens Focus on Offense
While the Ravens build around Henry’s offensive strength, other NFL teams are also shaping their futures at quarterback. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow reflected on last season with a personal challenge to improve and lead his team back to the playoffs in 2025. Burrow said,
“If I had played even better, we wouldn’t have been in that spot that we were in.”
He continues focusing on personal growth, feeling that better individual performance will help the team regardless of other factors.
“I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I go out there and play better than I did last year, then it doesn’t matter what goes on anywhere else.”
—Joe Burrow, Bengals QB
Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning complimented Burrow’s mental processing speed and accuracy, which distinguish him in the league. Browning explained,
“The number of times he goes to the right person on time and accurately. He processes so quickly. Before and during the play. He has an above-average arm, but I wouldn’t say it’s crazy. He’s an above-average athlete, but not crazy. He’s really accurate. But the thing he does is process really fast. And to me, that’s the toughest thing to evaluate in a quarterback coming out of college.”
—Jake Browning, Bengals Backup QB
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns approached their rookie quarterback situation cautiously after drafting Dillion Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that both players will compete for the starting role, praising their strong performances in minicamp.
“I wouldn’t look into really anything,”
Stefanski said.
“You’ll see the whole weekend, going through the spring, we don’t pay too close attention to who’s in there first.”
He added,
“I’ve seen both guys throw live, and that’s part of why it’s so important in that (predraft) process to get around those guys. So they were as advertised. I thought both guys did a really nice job and there’s so much to work on and it’s the minutiae of the position. It’s some technique things. The operation needs to get better, all those things. That’s why we’re here.”
—Kevin Stefanski, Browns Head Coach
Strengthening Baltimore’s Bid for Super Bowl Glory
As Derrick Henry continues to elevate his game and fully integrates within the Ravens’ system, Baltimore’s chances to contend for the championship grow stronger. Henry’s relentless drive and physical style of play not only exemplify the team’s competitive DNA but also inspire teammates and fans alike. His ambition to win a Super Bowl by concentrating on peak performance and leadership will be central to the Ravens’ 2025 season ambitions.
With the Ravens embracing Henry’s influence and building around his strengths, the franchise moves firmly toward a renewed campaign for NFL dominance, aiming to capture the ultimate prize in professional football. Henry’s impact on the Ravens and NFL remains a defining storyline as the league heads into this highly anticipated season.