Derrick Henry Receives College Football Greatest of All Time Award—A Tribute to Unmatched Power, Perseverance, and Crimson Tide Glory! A Legend Among Legends, A Champion for All Time! —A King Crowned Forever
Tuscaloosa, AL — June 12, 2025
In a moment etched forever in the annals of college football history, Derrick Henry, the iconic running back whose name has become synonymous with power, perseverance, and excellence, was honored today with the prestigious College Football Greatest of All Time Award.
The ceremony, held at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium, celebrated a career that transcended statistics and records to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Derrick Henry’s journey from humble beginnings in Yulee, Florida, to the pinnacle of collegiate football greatness is a story of grit, determination, and unparalleled talent. Playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2013 to 2015, Henry quickly established himself as a force of nature on the gridiron. His blend of size, speed, and strength allowed him to dominate defenses in a way rarely seen before or since.
His legendary 2015 season remains one of the greatest individual campaigns in college football history. Rushing for an astounding 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, Henry became only the eighth player in NCAA history to break the 2,000-yard mark in a single season. His performance earned him the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and a unanimous first-team All-American selection—cementing his status as a once-in-a-generation athlete.
At the award ceremony, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban praised Henry’s relentless work ethic and team-first attitude. “Derrick Henry exemplifies everything we want in a player: toughness, humility, and an unbreakable will to win,” Saban said. “His legacy goes beyond the numbers—he’s a symbol of what it means to be a champion at Alabama and in college football.”
The award itself, created by the College Football Hall of Fame to honor the most outstanding player in the sport’s storied history, acknowledges Henry’s unmatched impact on and off the field. Former teammates, coaches, and fans gathered to pay tribute to a player whose legacy continues to inspire.
“Derrick’s greatness wasn’t just about his physical gifts,” said former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts. “It was his heart, his refusal to give up, and his ability to carry our team when it mattered most. He’s a legend among legends.”
Henry’s influence extends well beyond college football. His humility and dedication have made him a role model for young athletes everywhere, proving that greatness is forged through perseverance and passion. Today’s ceremony crowned him not just a champion of the Crimson Tide, but a king in the realm of college football—a title he will wear forever.
As Derrick Henry took the stage to accept the award, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, recognizing a man whose name will forever echo through the halls of football history. A champion for all time. A king crowned forever. Derrick Henry’s legacy is immortal.