Derrick Henry knows what it takes to build a legacy at Alabama - because he lived it. The former Crimson Tide standout and current Baltimore Ravens running back carved out his place in college football history with a Heisman Trophy, a national title, and a bruising running style that defined Alabama’s dominance from 2013 to 2015.
Now, with the Crimson Tide entering a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Henry weighed in on what it’ll take for Alabama to get back to being the standard in college football. His message? It starts with mindset - and a real commitment to the program.
Speaking in a recent interview, Henry reflected on the culture that fueled Alabama’s success during his time in Tuscaloosa. “When we were there, we were working and we wanted to build our own legacy,” he said.
“We heard about the ones that came before us. But what’re you going to do with your time there?”
That’s the challenge Henry sees for today’s players. In an era where the transfer portal gives athletes more freedom than ever, Henry emphasized the importance of staying locked in and embracing the grind - not just for personal gain, but to elevate the program as a whole.
“I know kids, if you don’t play, you can go to another program,” he said. “But… the only way we going to get back is if you lock into that and go do that.”
Henry’s comments come as Alabama transitions from the Nick Saban dynasty to DeBoer’s fresh vision. And while change is inevitable, Henry made it clear that the path back to the mountaintop won’t be easy - but it’s possible.
“You are going to have growing pains,” he said. “Coach Saban had his growing pains.
Coach DeBoer will have his. But for you to be able to get back to that mountain top and be that top dog as far as a man and a player, you got to have that mindset of wanting to do that.”
The Crimson Tide are coming off an 11-4 season - a campaign that included a College Football Playoff berth and a first-round win before falling short in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. It was a strong showing, but by Alabama standards, anything short of a national title leaves room for reflection.
Henry’s perspective is a reminder that greatness at Alabama has always been about more than just talent. It’s about culture, accountability, and the willingness to carry on a legacy built by those who came before.
As the DeBoer era begins, the blueprint is there - and it’s coming straight from one of the best to ever wear the crimson and white.