Derrick Henry doesn't just run over people; he usually does it with a massive, whip-like braid trailing behind him. For over a decade, that hair was more than just a style. It was a brand. It was the "tail" of the King. So, when the Baltimore Ravens star showed up recently looking completely different, the internet basically had a collective meltdown.
Honestly, it feels weird seeing him without it. That signature look followed him from his record-breaking days at Yulee High School to the Heisman stage at Alabama and through eight dominant years in Tennessee. But things change. People grow up, or maybe they just get tired of the weight.
The Big Reveal: From Locs to Cornrows
It happened during the Ravens' 2024 bye week. Most players use that time to sit on a beach or play video games. Henry? He went to see a celebrity stylist.
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TimaaSlayz, a Bronx-based hair expert known for working with high-profile athletes, dropped a video that stopped NFL Twitter in its tracks. In the clip, Henry is literally holding his chopped-off locs in his hands. It was a lot of hair. Like, a lot of hair. Seeing the physical mass of what used to be attached to his head really put into perspective how much of a commitment that hairstyle was.
He didn't go for a buzz cut, though. He’s currently rocking tightly braided cornrows.
It’s a much cleaner, more streamlined look. While the old "fishtail" braid was iconic, it was also heavy. Fans used to joke that it gave him extra momentum on his stiff arms, but Henry himself admitted after the cut that he feels "lighter."
Why the Change and Why Now?
You’ve gotta wonder what makes a guy dump a look he's had since he was a teenager. Especially when he’s in the middle of a career-best season with the Ravens. Usually, athletes are superstitious. If you're leading the league in rushing, you don't touch your socks, let alone cut off the hair that’s been with you for 10,000+ yards.
Henry’s explanation was pretty simple: he just wanted something different.
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"I've been wanting to do it, and I finally did it," he told reporters in the locker room. There wasn't some deep, spiritual reason or a lost bet. It was just time.
But there is a practical side to this that most people forget.
- Helmet Fit: Long locs and braids are notoriously difficult to stuff into an NFL-grade helmet.
- Heat Management: Imagine wearing a dark helmet in 80-degree weather with five pounds of hair trapped against your neck.
- Weight: It sounds minor, but in a game of inches, feeling "lighter" matters.
Does the Hair Affect the Stats?
The "Samson" narrative started almost immediately. People were genuinely worried he’d lose his power. If you look at the 2024 and 2025 seasons, though, the "New Hair Henry" is just as terrifying as the old one.
In 2024, he finished with over 1,900 rushing yards. In 2025, he followed that up with another 1,500+ yard season. Basically, the hair wasn't the source of the power—the 250-pound frame and the 21-mph top speed were.
The Ravens seem to love the new look, too. John Harbaugh and the coaching staff haven't cared about the aesthetics as long as he's still punishing linebackers in the fourth quarter. And he is. He’s still the same "unicorn" that defies the age-30 cliff for running backs.
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The Fan Reaction Was... Intense
NFL fans are a weird bunch. Some people were actually mourning the old braid. At Alabama, fans used to make custom hats with a fake braid sticking out the back. Those are officially collector's items now.
On Reddit and Twitter, the jokes flew. Some fans joked that he’d be 2% faster because of improved aerodynamics. Others were just glad they didn't have to see a defender accidentally (or intentionally) grab the hair during a tackle anymore. That's a real thing—hair is considered part of the uniform in the NFL rulebook. If you get tackled by your hair, it’s legal.
What This Means for Henry’s Brand
Derrick Henry is moving into a new phase of his career. He’s no longer the young guy in Tennessee; he’s the veteran "closer" in Baltimore. The new hair fits that "business-like" vibe. It’s less flashy, more functional.
He’s still "King Henry," but the crown looks a little different these days.
If you’re looking to update your own look or just want to keep track of the King's progress, here is the reality of the situation:
- Style: He moved from long, thick locs/fishtail braids to low-profile cornrows.
- Performance: No drop-off. If anything, the "lighter" feel has helped his longevity into his early 30s.
- Maintenance: His new style requires regular trips to specialists like TimaaSlayz to keep the lines sharp and the braids tight.
For those of you thinking about making a big change yourself, take a page out of Henry’s book. If you've been thinking about it for years, just do it. Even if it's your "signature," you're more than just your hair.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the Ravens' official social media for close-up shots of his latest braid patterns, as he’s been known to vary the cornrow designs week-to-week. If you're a memorabilia collector, now is the time to snag any "braid-era" Titans or Alabama gear, as the value of those specific "tail" designs is likely to peak now that the look is officially retired.