Football isn't supposed to be this mean. If you grew up watching the NFL, you’ve seen "The King" do this a dozen times. But when that Derrick Henry stiff arm Steelers moment happened during the 2025 Wild Card round, it felt personal. Poor Minkah Fitzpatrick. The man is a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the smartest safeties in the league. Yet, for about three seconds in Baltimore, he was basically a piece of unwanted luggage being tossed aside at an airport.
It was a 34-yard run that didn't just move the chains; it moved a human being.
The Physics of a 247-Pound Hammer
Honestly, it’s about the leverage. Derrick Henry is 6'3" and weighs roughly 247 pounds (depending on if he had a big breakfast). When he gets into the open field, he isn't running; he’s a rolling boulder. Most running backs try to duck or juke. Henry? He just reaches out and says "no."
During that specific play against the Steelers, Henry took a direct snap. It was a Wildcat look—classic Baltimore stuff since they realized having both Lamar Jackson and Henry in the backfield is basically cheating. He hit the edge, saw Fitzpatrick coming down to fill the gap, and just... extended.
- The Impact: It wasn't a push. It was more like a violent, high-speed shove to the side of the helmet.
- The Result: Fitzpatrick hit the grass hard. He actually said later that he knew it was coming but hesitated. You can't hesitate with Henry.
- The Drive: That specific 34-yard burst set the tone for a 95-yard touchdown drive.
Why the Derrick Henry Stiff Arm Steelers Highlight is Different
People compare this to the Josh Norman play from 2020. You remember that one—where Norman basically took flight? This one was different because of the rivalry. The Ravens and Steelers hate each other. There is a specific kind of "belt to butt" (as DeShon Elliott put it) that happens in these games.
Henry ended that game with 186 rushing yards. That's a Ravens postseason record. He was hitting 20.60 mph at age 31. That shouldn't be possible. Most backs are looking for a retirement home at that age, but Henry is still out here making elite safeties look like they’re in a Pop Warner highlights reel.
Alabama on Alabama Crime
Both Henry and Fitzpatrick played for Nick Saban at Alabama. They’re "Bama Boys." After the game, Henry was pretty chill about it. He told reporters it was "all love" but that on the field, "it's business." That's the scariest part about Henry. He’ll ruin your career highlight reel and then give you a hug at the 50-yard line.
Beyond the Viral Clip
If you look at the stats from that 2025 Wild Card win, the Steelers got bullied. Baltimore ran for 299 yards. They had 164 in the first half alone! While everyone talks about the stiff arm, the real story was the "Heavy" formation the Ravens used to seal the edge. Roger Rosengarten made a block that gave Henry the space to even get to the secondary.
- Total Yards: Henry finished with 186.
- Touchdowns: Two, including a 44-yarder where he saluted the crowd.
- The Vibe: It was a total physical collapse of the Pittsburgh defense.
How Defenders Are Trying (and Failing) to Stop It
So, how do you actually stop the Derrick Henry stiff arm Steelers style of play? According to Todd Monken, the Ravens OC, you basically have to hope he doesn't get a full arm extension. Once that elbow locks, it's over. You're fighting 250 pounds of muscle redirected through a single palm.
Some defenders try to go low, but Henry has "short arms" for that too. He uses a quicker jab to just knock the tackler off balance so he can keep his knees churning. If you go high? Well, ask Minkah Fitzpatrick how that worked out.
What to Watch For Next Season
If you're tracking Henry’s career, he just crossed 13,000 career yards in early 2026. He’s chasing the all-time greats now. The stiff arm isn't just a flashy move; it's how he preserves his body. By keeping defenders at a distance, he avoids the big, square-up hits that end careers.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Game Day:
- Watch the Snap: If Henry is in the Wildcat, the stiff arm is almost guaranteed because he’s looking to bounce the run outside.
- Check the Angle: The most dangerous Henry stiff arms happen when he's running parallel to the sideline. That's where he has the most room to "throw" a defender.
- Listen to the Mic: On the NFL's "Mic'd Up" segments, you can actually hear the "thud" of his hand hitting a shoulder pad. It sounds like a car door slamming.
If you want to understand the modern NFL, you have to understand that play. It wasn't just a highlight; it was a statement that the Ravens' ground game is built different.