Josh Jacobs has been having a remarkable run of late. The running back for the Las Vegas Raiders went from having his fifth-year option declined to winning the league’s rushing title. The latter is not lost on Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. While a guest on “Bussin’ with the Boys,” Henry told Will Compton and Taylor Lewan he’s proud of his Alabama brethren. In fact, he revealed a close connection among all the great Alabama running backs.
The numbers for both Jacobs and Henry this past season scream dominance. Jacobs recorded 1,653 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns to boot. Henry, on the other hand, rushed for 1,538 yards and one more touchdown than Jacobs (13). It should be noted that Henry accomplished this with one fewer game played than Jacobs.
Nevertheless, Henry acknowledged and praised Jacobs for what he was able to do this past season. He also cited the fact that the Raiders not picking up his option this past offseason certainly motivated him.
“[I’m] proud of Josh. He worked for it. Went crazy. Got to watch his game against the 49ers, which is probably the best defense in the league. He was killing them. Didn’t have a lot of yards, but he was going crazy. Very proud of Josh. I think he earned everything he got this year. I know they didn’t pick up his fifth-year option this past year, so I know that was motivation.”
Roll Tide, Running Back U: Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry come from the same lineage…Â
For those of you who might not be too familiar with college football, both Jacobs and Henry come from the same tree. Alabama has been churning out highly talented running backs for years. In addition to the aforementioned duo, Najee Harris, Kenyan Drake, and Mark Ingram have all made their own impact in the NFL. Harris, for his part, was a 1,000-yard rusher this past season, joining Henry and Jacobs in that club.
Looking for more examples? Washington Commanders rookie Brian Robinson Jr. accumulated 797 yards on the ground as a rookie. Damien Harris and Jerome Ford also played this past season in the league. Alabama’s footprints are everywhere in the NFL. “People always try to argue this. Bama is RBU, bro,” said Henry. Despite playing on rival teams in the AFC, it’s nice to see the collegiate connection among these players. With that connection comes mutual respect and admiration for one another, building each other up. It’s quite refreshing.
*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports