New Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry didn’t just make a fashion statement with the suit he chose to wear to sign his contract, he made a sentimental one, as well.
Henry arrived in Owings Mills, Md. wearing a royal purple suit with a black dress shirt and black tie, as if the fit was designed for a Raven.
However, as Henry explained to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the suit holds a far more meaningful place in the former rushing champion’s heart.
“Actually this is the suit that I wore to my grandmother’s funeral,” Henry explained. “She raised me as a kid. She passed away my rookie year. This is the suit I wore to her funeral, and when they told me I was coming to do the presser and sign, I felt like this was the perfect suit to wear with the purple, matching the purple here, I feel like it’s a great connection between both sides.”
A fitting tribute for a strong woman who made a strong impression on Henry‘s life.
However, it almost didn’t happen.
“Everything was in boxes,” Henry said. “Because I’m moving in the next week. So, I’m glad I was able to find it because I was looking everywhere. Thankfully, I was able to put it on, honor her, and wear the purple.”
Ask a silly question. Get a way deeper answer than you expected. From The Insiders on @nflnetwork on Derrick Henry’s choice of suit today and why it was the perfect way to honor his late grandmother and kick start his tenure with the #Ravens. pic.twitter.com/VuRDCtc3Yk
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2024
How Derrick Henry Helps Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens bullied their way into the AFC Championship Game following the 2023 season, and the offense just became a lot more multi-faceted and even more punishing.
Henry should give Baltimore’s short-yardage and goal line offenses a major boost, while his violent running style in the open-field isn’t just going to be a problem for secondaries also tasked with containing speedy wide receiver Zay Flowers, but defenses will no longer be able to set back in deep cover-two because they must respect his ability as a runner.
Having Henry’s presence in the backfield should create opportunities for Lamar Jackson in the vertical passing game.
During the 2023 season, Henry averaged 3.32 yards after contact per carry for the Tennessee Titans while busting out for 23 explosive runs en route to an elite 90.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Henry and the Ravens might be the most complementary match of any acquisition during NFL free agency.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.