In a moment that resonated far beyond the world of sports, Derrick Henry, the towering running back for the Baltimore Ravens and an icon of Alabama football, was named to the 2025 TIME 100 list—an honor reserved for the most influential people in the world. For those who have followed Henry’s journey from Yulee High School in Florida to Tuscaloosa to NFL dominance, this recognition is the culmination of a legacy built not just on brute strength and breakaway speed, but on quiet leadership, unwavering humility, and a dedication to uplifting others. This milestone is not merely a personal accolade—it’s a cultural moment that illustrates how athletes today are reshaping what influence truly means.

When TIME Magazine unveiled its 2025 TIME 100, the presence of Derrick Henry’s name among heads of state, tech innovators, and social visionaries may have surprised some. But for anyone who has watched his evolution, both on and off the field, the honor feels overdue. From the moment Henry stepped onto the national stage at Alabama, he carried a sense of purpose larger than himself. Winning the Heisman Trophy in 2015 as a bruising, record-shattering back, he brought glory to the Crimson Tide in a way few had before him. He wasn’t just a player who excelled—he was a player who inspired. And he didn’t stop inspiring once he left college football behind.

Drafted by the Tennessee Titans, Henry carved a reputation as the NFL’s most formidable power back, mixing vintage smashmouth football with the flair of modern athleticism. His 2,000-yard season in 2020 catapulted him into rarefied air, placing him among legends like Barry Sanders and Eric Dickerson. But even then, Henry didn’t speak loudly. He let his legs and his work ethic do the talking. It was never about spectacle—it was about legacy. The kind of legacy that now sees him recognized not just for rushing yards, but for the lives he’s changed and the example he’s set.

Derrick Henry’s influence extends far beyond highlight reels. In his hometown of Yulee, he’s a legend not just because he broke records, but because he returns every offseason to pour into the community that raised him. Through the Two All Foundation, an organization he founded to level the playing field for youth through mentorship, education, and sports, Henry has become a force for good in underserved communities. From building libraries to organizing youth camps to awarding scholarships, Henry’s reach goes beyond mere charity—it’s infrastructure for empowerment. He doesn’t simply give back; he builds forward.

What makes Henry’s impact even more profound is the manner in which he leads. There is no self-promotion, no camera-chasing, no need to be seen. In an age when visibility often equates to influence, Henry flips the script by letting his actions shape narratives. His social media isn’t filled with flashy cars or extravagant parties, but with thank-you messages to coaches, clips from youth football camps, and expressions of gratitude. In doing so, he has become a template for the modern athlete: someone who uses their platform to elevate, not to aggrandize.

When Henry signed with the Baltimore Ravens, many questioned how he would fit into a team already loaded with talent, particularly in the backfield alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson. But Henry didn’t see competition—he saw collaboration. Almost immediately, reports emerged from Ravens camp about the leadership Henry was bringing into the locker room, particularly among younger players. His approach was quiet but firm: lead by example, prepare relentlessly, and carry yourself with integrity. It was the same ethos that made him a legend at Alabama, and now it’s the foundation of his legacy in the NFL.

TIME Magazine’s recognition of Henry goes beyond the field. In their profile, they emphasized his unique combination of strength and softness, of dominance and decency. They noted his role in advocating for mental health awareness, particularly among young athletes who often feel pressured to suppress vulnerability. Henry has spoken publicly about the pressures of living up to expectations and the importance of maintaining emotional well-being. In doing so, he has opened a door for conversation in a culture that often equates masculinity with stoicism.

Henry’s inclusion on the TIME 100 also signals a shift in how society views influence. No longer is it reserved for those with the loudest voices or the most viral moments. Influence, in Henry’s case, is about consistency, authenticity, and impact over time. It’s about a kid from a small Florida town who stayed true to his roots even as the world elevated him to celebrity. It’s about redefining power—not as the ability to dominate, but as the ability to uplift.

To understand the full scope of Derrick Henry’s journey, one must look at where he came from. Raised by his grandmother, Henry has often spoken about the sacrifices made by those who came before him. He wears their memory like armor. That’s why every touchdown, every broken tackle, every yard gained is more than a statistic—it’s a tribute. When he broke Herschel Walker’s SEC rushing record or rumbled for 99 yards in a single NFL play, he wasn’t just making history—he was honoring legacy.

There’s also a spiritual depth to Henry’s character that resonates with many. Faith has always played a central role in his life, and he often credits his success to divine guidance and purpose. That foundation is evident not only in his discipline but in his grace under pressure. Whether facing setbacks like injury or criticism, Henry never lashes out. He resets, refocuses, and returns stronger. That resilience, especially in today’s high-stakes, high-scrutiny sports world, is quietly revolutionary.

His TIME 100 profile described Henry as “a titan in cleats and a mentor in motion,” and the phrase captures his duality perfectly. On game day, he’s a nightmare for defenders. Off the field, he’s a dream figure for parents, coaches, and community leaders trying to show kids what excellence really looks like. Not flashy. Not boastful. Just relentless, grateful, and grounded.