The NFL has a funny way of changing perspectives. Nearly six years ago, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith spent an entire week game-planning for Derrick Henry when both played with the Chicago Bears and Tennessee ***** ans, respectively. Like every defense preparing to face the bruising running back, the objective was simple in theory and incredibly difficult in practice. Stop "The King."
Now, instead of trying to slow Henry down, Smith gets to watch him terrorize opposing defenses every day. The Ravens' 2025 season didn't end the way anyone in Baltimore envisioned. A disappointing finish led to sweeping changes throughout the coaching staff, with Jesse Minter taking over as head coach alongside offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Even with those changes, one thing hasn't changed inside the locker room. Henry remains one of the cornerstones of Baltimore's championship aspirations. Smith reflected on one of his earliest meetings with Henry while speaking to reporters after training camp practice, recalling the respect the veteran running back commanded long before they became teammates.
Smith smiled as he described what it was like walking into a game knowing Henry was waiting on the other sideline. His answer was as you'd expect.
"Absolutely. I remember. We were going down there to Tennessee. It was a nice warm day, and 'The King'... that is all you think about every week. Like, hey... 6'3", 6'4", 260 pounds, whatever he weighs... He looks like a Greek god. So, you were definitely going down there making sure you had your chin strap maybe a little tight, a little extra air in your helmet and everything like that."
#like #down #king
Now, instead of trying to slow Henry down, Smith gets to watch him terrorize opposing defenses every day. The Ravens' 2025 season didn't end the way anyone in Baltimore envisioned. A disappointing finish led to sweeping changes throughout the coaching staff, with Jesse Minter taking over as head coach alongside offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Even with those changes, one thing hasn't changed inside the locker room. Henry remains one of the cornerstones of Baltimore's championship aspirations. Smith reflected on one of his earliest meetings with Henry while speaking to reporters after training camp practice, recalling the respect the veteran running back commanded long before they became teammates.
Smith smiled as he described what it was like walking into a game knowing Henry was waiting on the other sideline. His answer was as you'd expect.
"Absolutely. I remember. We were going down there to Tennessee. It was a nice warm day, and 'The King'... that is all you think about every week. Like, hey... 6'3", 6'4", 260 pounds, whatever he weighs... He looks like a Greek god. So, you were definitely going down there making sure you had your chin strap maybe a little tight, a little extra air in your helmet and everything like that."
#like #down #king
2 days ago
