For the first time in his career, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is a First-Team All-Pro after what has been a legendary season for him.
The Associated Press released its list of players to make the first-team cut, and Henry is the only Titans player on the list. Henry wasn’t a unanimous selection, though, as New Orleans Saints running back, Alvin Kamara, received three of the 50 votes.
Three other Titans received one vote: center Ben Jones, left guard Rodger Saffold and right guard Nate Davis. Punter Brett Kern did not receive any votes after being a First-Team All-Pro last year.
The nod for Henry, who also made the Pro Bowl again and was a second-team All-Pro last season, is well-deserved, as the Alabama product not only won his second consecutive rushing crown, he also broke the 2,000-yard mark on the ground, becoming the eighth player in NFL history to do so.
Prior to his career-best campaign that also saw him lead the NFL in rushing attempts and touchdowns, the Titans inked their star back to a four-year, $50 million extension this past offseason.
While it was criticized at the time by the “don’t pay running backs big money” crowd, Henry has more than proven his worth considering his ability to take games over and his being the engine of an elite offense.
His contract also looks better when you consider there are five backs making more annually, and four of those contracts have more total value than Henry’s.
One former Titan, right tackle Jack Conklin, received his second First-Team All-Pro nod in his first season with the Cleveland Browns. Conklin also earned the honor during his rookie season with Tennessee.
