The Tennessee Titans became a part of two endings on Sunday in Week 18.
The first one involved ending the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pursuit of the AFC South title and playoff berth, knocking off their AFC South rivals 28-20. But the second ending they became a part of? The Derrick Henry era.
Derrick Henry Delivers Emotional Postgame Speech at Nissan Stadium
Sunday’s win likely marked the final game for star running back Derrick Henry in a Titans uniform.
Henry, the powerful locomotive who won two league rushing titles and surpassed 2,000 yards back in 2020, is an unrestricted free agent for the 2024 offseason. And he looked like his old self against his longtime rivals by racking up 153 yards and a touchdown.
The 30-year-old gave the Titans fan base one last dominating rushing output for the 2023 season. But then he took the microphone to give his fans one more lasting memory — a goodbye.
“Titan fans, I want to say thank you for the greatest eight years of my life,” Henry began. “The ups and the downs, y’all have been there through everything from the adversity and watching me grind as a person and a player. You always supported me. I love y’all. I love seeing the 22s in the stadium.”
Henry hoped he left a lasting impact on Nashville, particularly the youth.
“I hope I was an inspiration to all the young kids and everybody in the community. I respect y’all so much,” Henry said.
He ended his speech with two words: “Titans up.” Then, he jogged off the field and was showered with “Henry!” chants as he took what is likely his final trip through the Nissan Stadium tunnel.
"@Titans fans… Thank you for the greatest 8 years of my life." 👑💙 @KingHenry_2 pic.twitter.com/3CpEHq4PiC
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
DeAndre Hopkins Offers Reaction to Henry’s Speech and Titans Career
Again, it’s likely the veteran running back and the Titans are trekking toward a mutual separation.
For De’Andre Hopkins, he won’t get the chance to share the same Titans locker room with “King Henry” in 2024. The longtime rival of Tennessee from his Houston Texans days joined Henry and the Titans immediately before the season as a free agent.
Still, the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver told reporters he was honored to be impacted by the presence of Henry.
“Derrick is going to get that standing ovation no matter what kind of game he had. To me, it’s a dream come true to play with a guy who’s going to be in the NFL Hall of Fame and plays the way he plays,” Hopkins told reporters in the locker room. “Especially for 8-9 years. I don’t think he’s going to stop anytime soon.”
Hopkins added he knew Henry before they became NFL teammates as they’ve worked out before. He added Henry didn’t think he’d come over to the Titans.
Still, the two men paired together. For Hopkins, the presence of Henry fulfills one of his hopes for his own career.
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“I always hoped to play with a great running back,” Hopkins said. “Especially this late in my career. I can handle the load, but it definitely helps to have a running back to make things easier on the outside.”
DeAndre Hopkins on Derrick Henry. Says it was a dream come true playing with a future HOF running back. #Titans pic.twitter.com/Rco6HSnKPn
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) January 7, 2024
Hopkins ended up being a part of Henry’s final run as a Titan. And for Henry, he gave closure to a dominating run from 2016 to now.
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