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Can Derrick Henry break NFL rushing record? All-time leader Emmitt Smith thinks so

NFL rushing legend Emmitt Smith believes Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry possesses the physical durability and talent required to eclipse his all-time mark. Smith claimed the pinnacle spot in 2002 by overtaking Walter Payton's 1984 benchmark of 16,726 yards, eventually finishing his career following the 2004 campaign with 18,355 yards.

Frank Gore got closest this century by reaching 16,000 yards, but Smith noted that Henry previously shattered his own high school state rushing record and could replicate that feat professionally. Henry currently ranks tenth in league history with 13,162 yards, leaving him 5,193 yards adrift of the summit.

Catching Smith will require Henry to sustain remarkable production, demanding either three consecutive campaigns yielding at least 1,731 yards or a four-year run averaging around 1,300 yards. The powerhouse back has maintained an annual pace of 1,473 yards since 2018, highlighted by a 2,000-yard outing in 2020 and an unprecedented 1,921-yard showing for a back older than 30 in 2024.