Entering this season, two starting running backs, Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott, are positioned at a historic juncture in their careers: 10,000 rushing yards. The narrative will unfold on the field as the two teams make their appearance, leaving fans trying to gauge how they will play and what that portends for their careers. Both men have had different paths up to this point, and this game to be played is as much a matter of legacy as it is to do with numbers.
The Run to 10,000 Yards
Derrick Henry has 368 yards remaining to reach the milestone of 10,000 yards. On the other hand, Ezekiel Elliott’s numbers remain around 1,040. These two are very important to their respective teams. Derrick Henry averages 65 yards per game, while Ezekiel Elliott averages 28. The record or milestone is quite rare, as only 31 players in NFL history have crossed this mark. The last of the running backs to become a 6,000-yard rusher was Marshawn Lynch in 2017. It took them many years and lots of sweat to be able to enjoy this kind of achievement.
The encounter of Henry and Elliott first came about when they were both just high school players back in 2012. Their first encounters were rather comical, as Elliott thought that Henry was some kind of massive defensive lineman because he was so big. Fast forward to today, and both are touted as top running backs in the league. The style of play presented is very similar; they have power along with speed in their action. They will face each other this weekend to reignite their long-standing duel and revive memories of the old days.
Different Paths, Similar Goals
Elliott became an overnight sensation as a rookie, leading the NFL in rushing. In contrast, Henry took a little longer to get going, initially as a backup. Once he broke out though, cementing himself as one of the league’s best, the two players look to reach that 10,000-yard milestone. A goal they’ve had since early in their careers, this is an achievement that Elliott calls significant and says much to his offensive line for getting him there.
What is very distinguishable between the two is their resiliency. Henry’s career gained a boost after his life-altering 99-yard touchdown run in 2018 transformed the way he played. For the last two seasons, he has been leading the forefront of rushing yards. For Elliott though, who has had encounters with injuries and whose role in the Cowboys’ offense had changed, determination to regain his form symbolizes his commitment to the game.
A Look at Their Legacy
More to him than just chasing yards, Henry’s 30 years have made him a Pro Bowl fixture, while Elliott, 29, is seen as proving he has loads of game left. Both know how reaching the 10,000-yard mark will set them in NFL history. Speaking about each other, they mentioned how much respect they have and how their paths have intertwined over the years.
As they approach this milestone, many people start wondering if running backs truly have a future in the NFL. With most teams now turning to a running-back-by-committee approach, it is getting much harder to reach 10,000 yards. However, at the same time, both players hope that a workhorseback will come along sometime. They believe if a player can perform well regularly, teams will tap into their talent.
Conclusion: Milestone Worth Monitoring
From this aspect, Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott are nearing a milestone that speaks of their struggles and perseverance in the NFL. Their highly anticipated game going into each other may prove to be something beyond just statistics. The two running backs remind you of the challenges and triumphs that the game brings out in running backs today. Whether it is Henry reaching 10,000 yards first or Elliott catching up, this weekend stands to be one this player and his fans won’t easily forget.
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