### 10 Minutes Ago: John Harbaugh emotionally defends Derrick Henry – “What people are doing to him is completely wrong”

Baltimore, Maryland, December 27, 2025 – Just 10 minutes ago, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh broke the long silence with a strong and emotional statement defending running back Derrick Henry – a player who is being heavily criticized after the team’s recent streak.

In the press conference after the shocking loss to the New England Patriots, Harbaugh – his voice choked and his eyes red – harshly condemned the attacks on Henry, calling them “completely wrong, going against the soul of this sport”.

“What people are doing to him is downright wrong — it goes against the soul of this sport.

How can anyone be this cruel? Criticizing a 30-year-old man who has spent his entire career carrying teams on his back, taking hit after hit, never asking for glory, never blaming a soul — just grinding, sacrificing, and giving every last ounce of himself for his teammates and this city.

To me, Derrick Henry is one of the greatest competitors and leaders this league has ever witnessed. And instead of tearing him down every time something goes wrong, people should be lifting him up. He’s earned that respect — and he deserves it.”

Harbaugh’s defense comes in the context that Henry is being heavily criticized by the media and some fans after the last few games in which he has not been at his peak like last season (when he led the NFL in rushing yards).

After the loss to the Patriots – where the Ravens offense only achieved 89 total rushing yards – some commentators and fans on social networks called Henry “out of time”, “over 30 years old”, “no longer worth a big contract”.

These words are especially painful because Henry – traded to the Ravens in the 2024 season with a record contract for a running back – has sacrificed a lot: playing through injuries, carrying the team when Lamar Jackson is absent, and always maintaining an absolutely professional attitude.

Harbaugh, who is famous for being loyal and protective of his players like his own children, could not hold back his emotions: “I have been in the NFL for more than 30 years and have seen many talented players. But Derrick is one of the most special people.

He never complains, doesn’t blame, just works. Every time he runs the ball, he suffers impacts that ordinary people cannot endure. And now, just because of a few bad matches, people are turning away? That is cruel.”

Henry, 30, is in his second season with the Ravens after leaving the Tennessee Titans. He was once “King Henry” – 4-time rushing leader, 2-time All-Pro, and famous for his “unstoppable” runs.

But his age and injury history make him a doubt. However, this season Henry still leads the team in rushing yards and is the “soul” of the Ravens offense.

After Harbaugh’s words, both the team and the fans sided with Henry. Lamar Jackson tweeted immediately: “My brother Derrick is a warrior. Y’all don’t know what he goes through every week. Respect the King.” Mark Andrews wrote: “Derrick carries us – literally. Stop the hate.”

The reaction from Ravens fans was an overwhelming wave of support. The hashtags #StandWithDerrick and #HenryDeservesBetter climbed to the top of global trends. Thousands of fans posted pictures of Henry with the caption “He’s earned our respect forever”. One fan wrote: “Harbaugh is right.

Derrick never gives up – why should we give up on him?”

Former players also spoke up. Eddie George, legendary running back, tweeted: “Derrick is old-school tough. The criticism is unfair. Running backs take the most punishment.” Ray Lewis – Ravens icon – posted a short video: “Derrick Henry is Ravens blood. We protect our own.”

Major media such as ESPN and NFL Network devoted entire segments analyzing Harbaugh’s words. Stephen A. Smith called it “one of the best player defense speeches in NFL history.”

Skip Bayless – often criticizing the 30-year-old running back – this time agreed: “Harbaugh is right. Henry is a beast. Give him respect.”

Henry, who rarely speaks, only posted an Instagram story with a photo of him running a ball with the caption: “Keep grinding. Thank you Coach.” But insider sources said he was touched by Harbaugh’s words and the support from his teammates.

In a context where the Ravens are struggling (losing 3/5 recent games), Harbaugh’s defense is not only for Henry – but also sends a message to the entire team: solidarity and respect for those who make silent sacrifices.

Derrick Henry – “King Henry” – may no longer be at his rushing peak like he used to be, but he is still a symbol of resilience. And with John Harbaugh behind him, he knows he’s not fighting alone.

Ravens Nation is more united than ever. And Harbaugh’s Christmas message reminded everyone: in football, respect for those who contribute is the most sacred thing.

Derrick Henry deserved it – and now the entire NFL world knows.