Dear Tennessee Titans,
My second daughter’s due date is today and my wife is induced tomorrow. I have been an emotional wreck this week. And it has nothing to do with my soon-to-be-born daughter. Please don’t trade Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. I was able to confirm that there are some in the building who regularly read and consume Korked Bats. So if you’re one of those people currently reading this within the walls of St. Thomas Sports Park near Metrocenter, please let it be known that we’re not asking you to. We beg you. Are we only saying this because we are The #1 Derrick Henry Fan Site on the Internet™? Not entirely. Because wherever King Henry goes, Korked Bats goes too. Would it suck to have to create pro-Ravens content? I mean, we’ve done it before.
But yes.
That would be the case.
Now look, would trading him be the best football decision? I don’t know. I don’t get paid to think about this shit. But what I can tell you is that he is still the best player on your team and can do damage if he has even a semblance of an offensive line up front. Hell, last year he passed for over 1,500 yards (good for 2nd in the NFL) in just 16 games behind an offensive line that employed Dennis Daley at its most important position. Obviously, it doesn’t need much to stay great. And he’s one of the few remaining bright spots on this team.
It’s no state secret that there isn’t much hope left for this season. The only quarterback with any experience is injured, and on the rare occasion he isn’t, he’s getting hurt because this offensive line stops fewer humans than captcha codes. Deandre Hopkins has been fun, but those are just a few plays when our quarterback isn’t laying on his back. Well, Nick Folk has been the only constant ray of sunshine on this dark elephant graveyard of a season.
Really, as a Titans fan, the only hope I have for joy is the potential for Derrick Henry to either a.) break off a 50, 60, or 70-plus yard run. Or 2.) him using his fist like a Taser and shaking grown men all over a football field.
I know football is a business. I agree that you have to take the emotions out of it. But for once in your franchise’s existence, can you just mix a little emotion into this decision? I don’t want to see Eddie George in a Cowboys jersey, and I certainly don’t want to see Steve McNair in a Ravens player. Not yet. This time, just let Derrick Henry take out a Titan.
If you want to call me stupid or irrational, start by lining up behind my wife. Second, it’s good. I am admittedly stupid AND irrational. But it’s not like keeping Derrick Henry on this 53-man roster will be detrimental to him. He’s still very good. And he is still a leader in this locker room vocally, emotionally and by example. Plus, whatever you get in return will never give you the return that 22 has and can still get. Not another player, and certainly not a lottery ticket disguised as a draft pick.
So listen, please keep Derrick in two-tone blue. If he goes, so will my joy. And I don’t want to cry more than once in this hospital room.
THANKS,
Austin
former PSL holder, Section 117, Row S, Seats 9 and 10
PS With that said, let’s relive some of our favorite Derrick Henry moments.
