Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry spares no expense when staying physically fit. Since his college days at the University of Alabama, Henry has been dedicated to being a “beast” on the field. And as the upcoming season nears, this year is no different.
“One thing about Derrick — he works,” Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh recently told ESPN. “He is a worker, 100 percent every day, locked in, asks questions, ready to go at practice, in the weight room, training room. This guy is a true pro, ultimate pro.”
Henry is worth a reported $20 million and signed with the Baltimore Ravens in March after playing with the Tennessee Titans for seven years. Henry signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens for $16 million, including a $7.7 million signing bonus.
So how is Henry gearing up for the upcoming season? He’s investing time and money to be in the best shape possible.
“If I am going to spend time somewhere, it probably will be a gym, because that’s what I love doing,” Henry told “The Athletic.”
According to “The Athletic” Henry is so dedicated to being a dominant running back that he spends an estimated $240,000 annually on body maintenance, which includes nutrition, wellness, and physical training. His financial adviser refers to the expenses as body maintenance, but Henry considers it part of the job.
Henry employs a personal chef to prepare his strict diet, which includes avoiding gluten, fried food, dairy, and sugar. When the football season is in full swing, Henry does not eat until late in the afternoon, typically after 4 or 5 p.m.
“I probably eat three chicken breasts, some rice and broccoli,” Henry said. “Then I have some gluten-free pancakes, scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, home fries and some steak.”
On his Instagram account, Henry posts often, showing off his workouts in the gym and on the football field. To recover from these workouts, Henry relies on massages, infrared saunas, and hyperbaric oxygen.
And skipping vitamins? Never. Three times a week Henry is hooked up to a trove of IVs filled with various vitamins and nutrients.
A Winning Addition or Possible Stumble
Sports analysts are looking closely at Henry’s decision to join the Ravens. Some consider it a potentially great marriage as Henry is a formidable running back and the Ravens are a competitive team. Others, such as Sporting News, claim the 2023 NFL season marked Henry’s worst season in terms of stats — although he still managed 4.2 yards per carry, he produced 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns — an indication that the 30-year-old Henry’s athletic abilities might be on a decline as he is aging.
“I just love playing this game,” Henry told ESPN. “[I’m] going to continue to play until I feel like my time is up. … I’m really wanting to hold that trophy up at the end of the year.”