Titans’ Derrick Henry wins ASWA honor for second straight year

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry hasn’t played football in the state of Alabama since his final collegiate season in 2015, but he keeps racking up awards from the state nonetheless.

For the second straight year, Henry has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Professional Athlete of the Year, according to the Associated Press.

The honor is well-deserved for the former Crimson Tide back and Heisman Trophy winner, who becomes the third athlete to win this award in back-to-back years. Only former MLB great Frank Thomas (1993-94) and former pitcher Tim Hudson (1999-2000) have done so.

Henry had a historic campaign last season, becoming the eighth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards or more in a single season, en route to helping Tennessee win its first division crown since 2008.

He also notched his second straight rushing title and Pro Bowl nod, was named a First-Team All-Pro, and won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award for his efforts.

Henry isn’t the only current Titans player to have won the award, as recently-acquired wide receiver Julio Jones also took home the honor in 2016. Jones came to Tennessee this week after the Titans and Atlanta Falcons struck a deal for the seven-time Pro Bowler.