Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and NBC Sports analyst Mike Tomlin made headlines after refusing to say Derrick Henry’s name during the pregame show ahead of the Baltimore Ravens’ Sunday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Instead of directly naming the star running back, Tomlin repeatedly referred to Henry as “The Big Runner,” a nickname that highlighted his respect for one of the NFL’s most powerful and difficult-to-stop offensive players.
The moment quickly attracted attention from football fans, particularly because Tomlin spent years competing against Henry while coaching the Steelers. His comments were not intended as an insult. Rather, they reflected the problems Henry has created for opposing defenses throughout his career.
Why Mike Tomlin Refused to Say Derrick Henry’s Name
During NBC’s pregame coverage, Tomlin discussed Baltimore’s offensive approach with quarterback Lamar Jackson unavailable because of an ankle injury.
Tomlin explained that the Ravens needed to rely on “The Big Runner,” using the nickname multiple times instead of saying Henry’s name.
Host Maria Taylor eventually clarified the identity of the player Tomlin was discussing. She jokingly suggested that the former Steelers coach still avoided saying Henry’s name because the running back sends a shiver down his spine.
Tomlin later shared a clip of the segment on social media, reinforcing the meaning behind his unusual choice of words.
“So much respect for The Big Runner,” Tomlin wrote in his October 12, 2026, post.
His reaction made it clear that the nickname was a sign of admiration for Henry’s physical running style and ability to change games.
Derrick Henry’s Record Against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers
Tomlin has plenty of reasons to respect Henry. During eight games against Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh teams, including matchups with the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, Henry averaged 102 rushing yards per game and scored five touchdowns.
One of Henry’s most memorable performances came in the Ravens’ 28-14 victory over the Steelers in the AFC wild-card round in January 2025.
Henry dominated the ground game, rushing for 186 yards on 7.2 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. His performance helped Baltimore eliminate Pittsburgh from the playoffs and demonstrated how difficult he can be to contain in a postseason matchup.
For a defensive-minded coach such as Tomlin, Henry’s combination of size, speed, power and stamina represents a particularly difficult challenge. The running back can break tackles, gain yards after contact and turn an apparently ordinary play into a game-changing run.
That history helps explain why Tomlin’s comments attracted so much attention among NFL fans.
Derrick Henry Remains a Major Weapon for the Baltimore Ravens
Henry’s importance to Baltimore extends beyond his individual statistics. His presence gives the Ravens a powerful option in the running game and helps create opportunities for the rest of the offense.
When Lamar Jackson is healthy, the combination of Jackson’s mobility and Henry’s downhill running creates difficult decisions for opposing defenses. Defenders must account for the quarterback’s ability to run while preparing for Henry to attack between the tackles or break into the open field.
When Jackson is unavailable, Henry becomes even more important to Baltimore’s offensive strategy. Establishing the running game can help control the clock, reduce pressure on a backup quarterback and create more manageable passing situations.
Tomlin recognized that challenge before the Ravens faced Atlanta, emphasizing the need to lean on Henry with Jackson sidelined.
Ravens Beat Falcons Without Lamar Jackson
Baltimore ultimately defeated Atlanta 30-23 in overtime, extending its strong start to the 2026 season.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley played a crucial role in the comeback, helping the Ravens recover late in regulation before securing the overtime victory. His performance demonstrated that Baltimore could remain competitive even without its starting quarterback.
The victory also underscored the importance of the Ravens’ supporting cast. While Henry provides a physical foundation for the offense, players such as Huntley, wide receiver Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman give Baltimore additional ways to move the ball.
Bateman, in particular, made important contributions during the comeback. He recorded a 19-yard reception that helped set up a second-quarter field goal and caught four passes for 43 yards across Baltimore’s final two scoring drives.
The Ravens improved to 4-1 after the win, strengthening their position early in the season.
Mike Tomlin’s Comments Show Respect for an NFL Star
Tomlin’s “Big Runner” remark was more than a memorable television moment. It reflected the respect Henry has earned from opponents who have experienced his impact firsthand.
Henry has established himself as one of the league’s most imposing running backs, and his performances against Pittsburgh have provided Tomlin with a clear understanding of the threat he presents.
For Ravens fans, the comments offered another reminder of Henry’s importance to Baltimore’s championship ambitions. For Steelers supporters, they revived memories of the running back’s dominant playoff performance against their team.
Ultimately, Tomlin’s refusal to say Derrick Henry’s name was a playful expression of respect rather than criticism. His nickname captured the challenge every defense faces when preparing for one of football’s most powerful runners.
As the Ravens continue their 2026 campaign, Henry’s ability to control the ground game will remain a major part of their offensive identity, particularly whenever Jackson is unavailable.
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