Interviewer: Coach Benny, thanks for speaking with us. The decision to part ways with Derrick Henry has been a surprise for Ravens fans. Some are speculating it was due to his health last season. Can you provide any insight into that?
Coach Benny: Absolutely, and thank you for the chance to clarify. Derrick is an exceptional player, and we’re very grateful for what he brought to our team. But yes, one of the factors we considered was his ability to stay healthy. Last season was challenging for him—he missed nearly six games. For us, durability is a huge consideration, especially at such a physical position like running back. Ultimately, we had to think about what’s best for the long-term strength and stability of our roster.
Interviewer: Was Derrick’s health the main factor in this decision?
Coach Benny: It wasn’t the only factor, but it was certainly an important one. Derrick’s style is incredibly physical, and with the toll that takes, we had to weigh our options. We’ve got a lot of respect for Derrick, but in a league this competitive, we have to look at all aspects, including player availability, and we need consistency on the field to build a well-rounded and sustainable offense.
Interviewer: Was it a tough call considering Derrick’s past contributions?
Coach Benny: Very tough. Derrick has given us so much, and he’s a leader on and off the field. Letting him go was not something we took lightly. But we’re building toward something bigger and need to ensure we have the depth and resilience to stay competitive for a full season. Derrick’s health last year forced us to look at the running back position in a different way.
Interviewer: How did Derrick react when you discussed this with him?
Coach Benny: Derrick was professional and understanding. He’s a true pro, and he gets that these decisions are part of the business side of football. He’s been a fantastic teammate, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to be successful. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but he handled it with class.
Interviewer: How will the Ravens adjust to this change at running back?
Coach Benny: We’re excited about our younger backs and their potential. We believe they can step up and contribute. This will also give us some flexibility to bring in fresh talent, possibly through the draft or free agency, and look at building a backfield that gives us consistency and versatility. We know we have some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident we can do it.
Interviewer: Any final thoughts for the Ravens fans?
Coach Benny: I understand that this is a big shift, and we know how much Derrick means to our fans. But we’re committed to building a team that they’ll be proud of, and this decision was made with that in mind. We appreciate their support, and we’re going to keep working hard to deliver a strong season. Derrick’s time here was special, and we’re grateful for everything he did for us.
