Derrick Henry teams up with Lamar Jackson and faces the biggest challenge of his career so far

Starting a new chapter in life with the Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Henry is well-known for his strength and power on the football field. Fans of the Baltimore Ravens were very excited to see him join the squad.

His name still carries fear among defenders, but now there’s a different kind of pressure. At 30 years old, the question is not about how hard he can hit, but how long he can last. Many athletes at his position begin to fade at this stage. As Derrick Henry prepares for the upcoming season, the biggest challenge he faces may not wear a jersey — it may be time itself.

Derrick Henry joins the Baltimore Ravens but time may be the real opponent

In March 2024, Derrick Henry signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

The signing garnered all of the sports headlines' attention. With the Tennessee Titans, this signaled the end of an age and the start of a new chapter for him. Fans of the Baltimore Ravens greeted him with open arms, hoping he would bring the same influence and leadership there as he had in his former position.

Derrick Henry still works hard. He sticks to a strict training schedule. His speed and strength are still there.

But turning 30 is a major point in the career of any NFL running back. Many begin to lose their edge. Derrick Henry knows this. Now, he isn’t only playing to win games — he’s trying to prove he can still perform at the top level.

Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson gear up to lead the team

One month ahead of rookie minicamps, Lamar Jackson first took the field against Derrick Henry in May 2024. At the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland, it was customary procedure.

This was their first time playing on the field as teammates. Lamer Jackson declared in a May 28 interview with ESPN:, "Derrick brings something special. He is strong, he is dynamic, and more than anything, he's about winning.

" Head coach John Harbaugh said, "We are confident in him."He looks sharp and ready to go.”

In a short chat with NFL Network on June 2, Derrick Henry shared, “People say I’m past my prime. That’s okay.

I’ll prove myself on the field.”Running for 1,167 yards over a total of 17 games in 2023, Derrick Henry was in the last year of his contract with Tennessee. Although it's still a good number, it's Derrick Henry's lowest total since 2018. The Baltimore Ravens hope both his experience and ability outweigh any decline, but everyone knows age still matters. Derrick Henry now has one more adversary to overcome - not one of his fellow competitors, but the clock.Also Read: “A F***Ing Power Runner”: Rob Gronkowski And Julian Edelman Crown Derrick Henry As Modern Power Running Icon In NFL Mount Rushmore Debate