Derrick Henry Mentoring 'Man-Child' AFC RB During Breakout Season

One NFL running back is learning from an all-time great at his position.

ESPN's Rich Cimini noted that Derrick Henry has developed a friendship with New York Jets running back Braelon Allen. The bond started when Allen posted a photo of himself wearing a Henry shirt as a freshman at Wisconsin. Henry reached out, and they now talk weekly and train together in Dallas during the offseason.

"In my shoes, he's really the best you can get in terms of a guy, a connection, someone that can mentor and guide me through the process of my career," Allen said of Henry. "He's been great. I try to get every little nugget that I can about what he does. He doesn't slow down. I want to have a long career, too, so I try to soak up as much as possible."

Allen played a modest role in his first two seasons with the Jets, but Breece Hall has missed the last three games with a quadriceps injury. The 22-year-old capitalized, tallying 287 yards and a touchdown in those games as Gang Green's featured back.

Henry offered wisdom throughout the process, but the 32-year-old wants Allen to receive all the recognition for his 2026 success.

"Don't give no credit to me; he's his own man," Henry said. "I'm trying to be someone who can help him out in any way I can give advice. But, yeah, he's just a big, physical kid. I call him 'man-child,' and I was able to catch a little bit of clips from the games he's played. He's doing a heck of a job being in that starting role and always knew he'd be ready for it, so I'm happy for him."

Henry predicted future success for Allen, who will get another chance to shine with Hall inactive for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

"He runs hard, runs behind his pads, isn't willing to go down that easy," Henry said. "So, yeah, he's going to keep getting better and better."