Story perspectives

Derrick Henry Races Toward NFL Rushing Record

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 12:19 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Emmitt Smith says Derrick Henry could break the NFL’s all-time rushing yards record.
Henry sits tenth on the career rushing list with 13,162 yards.
He posted 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
In Week 1 of 2026, Henry rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns versus Indianapolis.
Henry, 32, said he isn’t thinking about the record and is focused on the Saints matchup.

History

Historical Context

Emmitt Smith seized the NFL’s career rushing record on Oct 27 2002, surpassing Walter Payton’s 16,726 yards and finishing with 18,355 yards. Decades later, Derrick Henry’s 2025 campaign produced 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns, echoing Smith’s breakout seasons and reviving debate over future record-breakers, contract values, and Hall-of-Fame eligibility among analysts and team executives.

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Story summary

Emmitt Smith says Derrick Henry could break the NFL’s all-time rushing yards record.
Henry sits tenth on the career rushing list with 13,162 yards.
He posted 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
In Week 1 of 2026, Henry rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns versus Indianapolis.
Henry, 32, said he isn’t thinking about the record and is focused on the Saints matchup.

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