NASHVILLE – Titans running back Derrick Henry turned 30 on Thursday, a day after being named to his fourth career Pro Bowl.
Henry showed up at his regularly scheduled media availability with a big smile on his face, joking that he was expecting gifts.
Inside, he's as motivated as ever.
"Sometimes you need a year like this to be able to grow, to be able to learn, to be able to reflect," Henry said. "I am definitely going to do that once this season is over. If I wasn't fueled before, I am definitely more fueled now, definitely more hungry.
"Going into this offseason, I am going to attack it as hard as I can. At the end of the day, it is about being consistent and playing at a high level. I am my worst critic, so I am going to be hard on myself regardless."
Henry has 1,014 rushing yards in 2023, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Henry's 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for eighth place.
Henry joined Earl Campbell (five) and Eddie George (four) as the only running backs in franchise history to be named to four Pro Bowls. Among all players in the franchise's "Titans era" (since 1999), Henry's four Pro Bowls are second behind defensive tackle Jurrell Casey's five selections.
As he wraps up his eighth NFL season, Henry's career statistics include 2,011 rushing attempts for 9,349 yards and a franchise-best 89 touchdowns. He also has 155 career receptions for 1,458 yards and three touchdowns.
With expiring contact, Henry's future with the team has been a popular topic.
Henry said he plans to treat Sunday's finale against the Jaguars at Nissan Stadium like any other game and not get too caught up in everything.
"There will definitely be a moment, last game of the season, I'll be a free agent after this year, and I've been here eight years," Henry said. "I'll just be grateful to whoever shows up, and I know the fans will come out. Hopefully we can finish the season strong."
At this point, even Henry isn't sure what will happen at season's end.
But at age 30, he said his body feels good, and he's "grateful to still be in this position."
"Any player would love to play for an organization, finish out their career as long as they can," Henry said. "But there's a business side and all those types of things that go on, and I understand that. We'll just see how it shakes out during the offseason."
